Source: Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC). Visit their website at https://www.illinois.gov/idhhc.

In light of recurring situations where there is miscommunication between law enforcement and Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind citizens, it is critical to know and understand some tips in order for the interaction to go smoothly. Below are some resources:

·The Deaf/Hard of Hearing Communication Card for Law Enforcement & Citizens can be used by both law enforcement and Deaf citizens. This communication card holds some quick communication tips, resources on how to obtain auxiliary aids and services, communication symbols where one can point to assist with communication during a traffic stop. This is available for printing and can be found on IDHHC’s website under Programs & Services: Information for Service Providers.

·J88 Deaf/Hard of Hearing Drivers License- J88 is a notation on a drivers license that alerts law enforcement officers before approaching a vehicle that a motorist is deaf or hard of hearing. Below is information on how the J88 notation works. The information is found on the Secretary of State’s website in its manual, “A Guide to Services Serving Senior Citizens, Persons With Disabilities and Veterans.

• Request the J88 notation be added to your drivers license at any Secretary of State Driver Services facility. J88 will appear on both the front and back of your drivers license.
  
  
• Include your drivers license number on your vehicle registration to link the two together.
  
  
• If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, he/she will run your license plate or drivers license number, and a “Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Uses Alternative Communication” message will appear. The officer will then know to use alternative communication.
  
  
• You must request the J88 notation if you want the option. (The SOS office will not ask you if you want to include the J88 option.)

· Marlee Matlin On Deaf And Police Interaction- This is an ASL video signed by Deaf actress, Marlee Matlin, who is the wife of a police officer. This video provides tips on how Deaf people should know their rights when interacting with law enforcement.

This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for appropriate legal advice. IDHHC does not control, monitor or guarantee the information contained in these sites or information contained in links to other external web sites. The existence of these links are provided for the convenience of visitors signed up on the IDHHC email listserv and should not be construed as an endorsement by IDHHC of the content or views of the linked materials.