(Providence, R.I.) The Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RI CDHH) is proud to announce that the Emergency Sign Language Interpreter Referral Service will be formally implemented in full operation on November 10, 2005 at 12:00am midnight. The Emergency Interpreter Referral Service will be available during non-business hours such as week evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays for any emergencies. What constitutes as an emergency would be a state of emergency, medical, legal, mental health, and many other crisis-related incidents in the State of Rhode Island. This would enable every deaf or hard of hearing individual to communicate through sign language in a timely, accurate and effective manner with healthcare providers, mental health services, police departments, or any emergency personnel during any emergency incidents as required by the existing federal and state laws. The RI CDHH will have its special ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the Emergency Sign Language Interpreter Referral service on November 9, 2005 at 6pm during its annual coffee hour at the State Room in State House. Lt. Governor Charles J. Fogarty is scheduled to join us to be part of the special ribbon cutting ceremony and annual coffee hour event. The NEW phone number for the Emergency Sign Language Interpreter Referral Service only is 401-586-6100 effective on November 10, 2005. NON-EMERGENCY RELATED: If you need interpreter but is not emergency related, please call this number, 401-222-5300 Voice or 401-222-5301 TTY or contact via email at interpreter@cdhh.ri.gov to make request between 8:30am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. ABOUT THE RI CDHH The mission statement of the RI CDHH is to provide innovative leadership in public policy, advocacy, service delivery and accessibility throughout the Ocean State, RI CDHH ensures opportunities for each deaf and hard of hearing person to become an empowered, contributing citizens. The RI CDHH is an advocating, coordinating, and service-providing entity committed to promoting an environment in which the Deaf and Hard of Hearing constituents in Rhode Island are afforded an equal opportunity in all aspects of their lives. The RI CDHH develops policy; initiates and lobbies for favorable legislation; fosters cooperation and awareness among state agencies and community organizations; and educates and advises consumers, state agencies, and employers about Americans with Disabilities (ADA) rights to equal access. The RI CDHH also provides direct services in its operation of a Sign Language Interpreter Referral Service, a lending library of books and videotapes, and as a clearinghouse of information and referral on all topics related to hearing loss.
