Keys 4 D/deaf Access is a collaboration established by three organizations in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The collaboration includes Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC), and Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (DVCAC). Together, they are working to create sustainable change for survivors of domestic violence who are Deaf or hard of hearing, by fostering collaborative relationships among organizations and implementing changes that will maximize interaction with law enforcement, service provision, and choice for individuals.
Our Unique Contribution
Keys 4 D/deaf Access developed a Safety and Access Review tool to help assess necessary changes needed to maximize the ability of law enforcement and service providers to effectively communicate with and serve Deaf and hard of hearing survivors. The tool assesses communication access, physical safety, emotional and psychological safety, cultural understanding, and confidentiality. In addition to including communication access and cultural competency, this resource also includes a component to assess law enforcement response to Deaf survivors.