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COPS: blind, deaf and mute man

posted 11 years ago by susanemccool
2 replies | jump to latest

I saw an episode of COPS tonight in which an officer told of being approached by a very, very frantic man. He said he realized he was blind, deaf, and mute, so he took the man's hand and placed it on his badge. The man obviously knew its significance, as he was relieved, and calmed down.

I wonder at the outcome; specifically, how they were ultimately able to communicate with him, and what he'd experienced. Maybe he could draw letters on their palms? Use a computer? I figured it wouldn't hurt to post this and ask if anyone knows the whole story. Thanks.

[–] Speed_Daemon 11 years ago

Local governments (including police and fire), hospitals and other public services typically have paid staff and/or volunteers who facilitate communications in cases like that. I've filled out many personnel forms that ask if I speak any foreign languages, ASL etc., and if I'd be willing to be on-call as a translator. Those who say yes are tested and sometimes trained to that work in a procedural, professional way.

What that cop did was buy time for a qualified translator to arrive on-scene. The translator would then be able to figure out the best way to communicate, and hopefully get the man's story.

[–] susanemccool 11 years ago

Thank you!