§ 11.5-2. Policy on procedures for communicating information to persons with sensory impairments.

The Town of St. Francisville will take such steps as are necessary to ensure that qualified handicapped persons, including those with impaired sensory skills, receive effective notice. All aids needed to provide this notice (e.g., sign-language interpreters, readers, etc.), are provided without cost to the person being served.

(a)

For persons with hearing impairments:

(1)

Qualified sign-language interpreter. For persons who are hearing impaired and who use sign-language as their primary means of communication, the following procedure has been developed and resources identified for obtaining the services of a qualified sign-language interpreter to communicate both verbal and written information:

The town will provide qualified sign-language interpreters on an as-needed basis. Such an interpreter will be used at job interviews, large meetings, explanations of policies and procedures, etc. A minimum advance notice for such use is four (4) days, unless circumstances or conditions dictate lesser time. In that case, the minimum time will be that required to notify the organization furnishing the interpreter, as well as, the time required for that organization to act. When time permits, the request is to be in writing. If a request is made orally, written documentation must be prepared and placed in the appropriate file. The town clerk is authorized to obtain an interpreter.

The following organization will be contacted when an interpreter is needed:

Deaf Action Center of Baton Rouge
Leo Burke, Executive Director
11762 South Harrell's Ferry Road
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
[phone]

Information to be furnished when requesting an interpreter:

a.

Reason for using interpreter services;

b.

Date and time services are needed;

c.

Place where interpreter is to report and directions, if needed;

d.

Name and title of person requesting services;

e.

Name, address, and telephone number for the town;

f.

How costs for services are to be billed. Understanding of cost (cost per hour, travel, etc.);

g.

How the interpreter is to be notified in case of a cancellation or change in time or place;

h.

How the town is to be notified if services cannot be furnished as agreed.

(2)

Written materials. All program information will be provided to hearing impaired persons in writing. Printed materials and writing materials are available.

(3)

Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). A TDD is located at the main answering point for municipal administrative operations. An explanation as to where it is located, how to operate it, and the telephone number will be published. The number will also be published in the Bell South Text Telephone Directory. The address is: Editor, Text Telephone Directory, P. O. Box 771, 24th Floor, Birmingham, AL 35227-0001.

(b)

For persons with visual impairments:

(1)

Reader; staff will communicate the content of written materials by reading them aloud;

(2)

Large print, taped, and Braille materials; and

(3)

Raised letter signs.

(c)

For persons with manual impairments:

(1)

Personal assistance with completing forms and other writing requirements;

(2)

Typewriters;

(3)

Other adaptive self-help methods and devices.

(Res. No. 1996-1, 2-13-96)