Grant Deaf/Hearing Impaired Citizens the right to obtain a Certified Handicap Destination Card

There are millions of Deaf/Hearing Impaired individuals in America, most of which are qualified licensed drivers. Seeing as though hearing loss or deafness is not a physical 'seen or apparent' disability most drivers are unable to obtain a handicap permit or other informing the public, law officials, or governing authorities (courts, etc.) that an individual has such handicap/disability.

Just as with physical handicaps, a deaf/hearing impaired citizen should have the right to obtain a permit that states that the individual is deaf/hearing impaired. The permit should also clearly outline the form of communication that best suits their needs to effectively communicate (sign language, lip reading, written communication, etc.); as it is a discriminatory myth that all Deaf/Hearing Impaired individuals know or understand sign language thus needing a sign language interpreter to communicate. This is especially important in situations where citizens are not fluent in English or American Sign Language.

In so many cases, in dealing with the public, law enforcement or governing officials Deaf/Hearing Impaired Individuals experience cruel treatment, undue harassment, insult and uncivil judgement due to the form of their disability—because they do not “look” deaf/hearing impaired. Unfortunately, this discriminatory perception subjects them to the violation of their Civil Rights, violation of Constitutional Rights, violation of ADA law protection and Discrimination; which oftentimes may result in police brutality, wrongful arrest, denial of effective communicative services, disorderly conduct, cruelty, inhumane treatment, wrongful/unlawful conviction, coercion, etc. These actions frequently occur in most cases due to the public or officials assuming that the Deaf/Hearing Impaired individual is "playing", patronizing or using sarcasm upon encounter when the Deaf/Hard of Hearing citizen expresses that they are in fact deaf/hearing impaired.

The process of obtaining a "Deaf/Hearing Impairment" certification card should include an official signature from a licensed physician/audiologist that shall verify that individual is deaf/hearing impaired.