Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
334 Delano PD Policy Manual
Communications with Persons with Disabilities
334.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidance to members when communicating with individuals with disabilities,
including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have impaired speech or vision, or are blind.
334.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Auxiliary aids - Tools used to communicate with people who have a disability or impairment. They
include, but are not limited to, the use of gestures or visual aids to supplement oral communication;
a notepad and pen or pencil to exchange written notes; a computer or typewriter; an assistive
listening system or device to amplify sound; a teletypewriter (TTY) or videophones (video relay
service or VRS); taped text; qualified readers; or a qualified interpreter.
Disability or impairment - A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life
activity, including hearing or seeing, regardless of whether the disabled person uses assistive or
adaptive devices or auxiliary aids. Individuals who wear ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses are
not considered to have a disability (42 USC § 12102).
Qualified interpreter - A person who is able to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially,
both receptively and expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary. Qualified
interpreters include oral interpreters, translators, sign language interpreters and intermediary
interpreters.
334.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Delano Police Department to reasonably ensure that people with disabilities,
including victims, witnesses, suspects and arrestees have equal access to law enforcement
services, programs and activities. Members must make efforts to communicate effectively with
individuals with disabilities.
The Department will not discriminate against or deny any individual access to services, rights or
programs based upon disabilities.
334.3 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA) COORDINATOR
The Chief of Police shall delegate certain responsibilities to an ADA Coordinator (28 CFR 35.107).
The ADA Coordinator shall be appointed by, and directly responsible, to the Patrol Division
Commander or the authorized designee.
The responsibilities of the ADA Coordinator shall include, but not be limited to:
(a) Working with the City ADA coordinator regarding the Delano Police Department’s
efforts to ensure equal access to services, programs and activities.
(b) Developing reports, new procedures, or recommending modifications to this policy.
Communications with Persons with Disabilities
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Published with permission by Delano Police Department - 1