Historic Win: White House Ordered To Provide Sign Language Interpreters for COVID-19 Briefings

Summary

On September 23rd, a federal court ruled that the White House must provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for all press briefings discussing the coronavirus, starting October 1st. This landmark decision marks the first time the White House has been compelled to comply with the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The ruling requires that ASL interpreters be included in live-streamed briefings, with hopes that TV networks will also broadcast this service. Advocates will continue to push for ASL interpreters at all future press briefings, emphasizing the importance of communication access.

Takeaways

• 🎉 A federal court ordered the White House to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for coronavirus-related press briefings starting October 1st.
• 📅 This order applies to all press briefings discussing coronavirus held on White House grounds or any federal agency.
• 📺 The White House must include ASL interpreters in frame during live-streams of the press briefings on its website.
• 🔗 The ruling is separate from TV networks, but the White House is required to share the ASL interpreter video feed with them.
• 🏛️ This marks a historic moment, as it's the first time a court has mandated the White House to comply with the Rehabilitation Act regarding ASL access.
• ⚖️ The lawsuit specifically focused on ASL access for coronavirus briefings, highlighting urgent communication needs.
• 📢 Advocates continue to push for ASL interpreters in all future press briefings, beyond just those related to coronavirus.
• 🙏 The successful lawsuit was made possible by the efforts of Ian Hoffman and his legal team, as well as plaintiffs who shared their experiences.
• ❓ Future legal challenges or appeals may arise, but the judge recognized that lack of ASL interpreters at COVID briefings violates civil rights.
• 💬 The commitment to advocate for communication access in all press briefings will remain a priority.

Q & A

What was the federal court's order regarding ASL interpreters for White House press briefings?

The federal court ordered the White House to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for press briefings discussing coronavirus, starting from October 1st.

Which press briefings does the court order apply to?

The order applies to all White House press briefings that discuss coronavirus, whether they occur on White House grounds or at any federal agency.

How does the order affect the live-streaming of press briefings?

The order compels the White House to include ASL interpreters in the frame while live-streaming the video of the press briefings on the White House website.

What is the significance of this court ruling?

This ruling is significant because it is the first time a court has ordered the White House to comply with the Rehabilitation Act, which includes providing ASL interpreters for press briefings.

Are TV networks included in the lawsuit?

No, the TV networks are not part of the lawsuit; however, the White House must share the video of the ASL interpreters with the TV networks.

What is the main focus of this case?

The main focus of this case is to ensure ASL access to press briefings about coronavirus, as this was the urgent reason for bringing the lawsuit.

Will advocacy for ASL interpreters continue beyond this case?

Yes, advocacy will continue for the White House to provide ASL interpreters for all press briefings in the future.

Who were the key individuals and teams involved in bringing this lawsuit?

Key individuals involved include Ian Hoffman and his legal team at Arnold & Porter, as well as plaintiffs Carlton Strail, Graham Forsey, Debra Fleetwood, John Rivera Jr., and Corey Axelrod.

What might happen next after this ruling?

It is possible that there will be further legal challenges or an appeal, but the judge has stated that not providing ASL interpreters at COVID briefings is a violation of civil rights.

What is the overall goal of this legal action?

The overall goal of this legal action is to advocate for communication access for all press briefings and ensure that individuals requiring ASL interpretation are not denied their civil rights.