Lawsuit seeks appropriate emergency notifications for deaf teachers and students in NYC
A press release from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), a teachers union in New York City, said it is supporting a federal lawsuit seeking better emergency notification systems for deaf teachers, staff, and students at PS 347, a PreK-to-8 public school serving deaf and hearing students in the city.
The lawsuit is filed against the New York City Department of Education. It alleges that the DOE refuses to install an appropriate emergency notification system that would alert deaf members to fires, active shooter lockdowns, and other emergencies. The school relies on an audio public announcement system.
Some examples of situations that have happened include a deaf teacher who didn’t realize there was a lockdown drill because it was announced over the audio PA system. Another teacher ran into his room to alert him. Another concern is that deaf students experience fear and uncertainty when the audio emergency system is activated and that they are unaware of the type of emergency involved and how to respond.
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The lawsuit is recommending the DOE to install color codes for emergencies and flash written warnings on smart boards. The lawsuit said the DOE’s refusal to install an appropriate alert system is a violation of the ADA and other anti-discrimination laws.
The link to the press release is in the description and transcript.