Dear Assembly Member Domokos,
California Hands & Voices is an organization that supports the families of deaf and hard of hearing children in a respectful and non-judgmental manner regarding language opportunities, communication tools, or educational approaches.
We are writing today to ask for opposition to AB 1850 and AB 2257 unless it is amended to include a professional services exemption for sign language interpreters and real-time captioners. These professionals provide crucial ADA mandated communication services to our children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our children must have meaningful, unrestricted access to these services.
Please vote NO on AB 1850 and AB 2257 unless these bills are amended to include exemptions for sign language interpreters and real-time captioners for deaf children and adults.
Thank you,
Rosabel Agbayani, MPH
President, California Hands & Voices
RA: ngs