federal government and people with hearing loss
The Federal Government has a long history of involvement with persons
with hearing loss. Beginning in the early nineteenth century with the
establishment of schools for the deaf, and continuing to the present day
with a variety of social initiatives, the United States government has
affected the lives of hard of hearing, late deafened, and oral deaf
persons.
The Federal government passes laws to steer our society in the
desired direction. Since the Civil Rights movement began in the 1960s,
our government has been attempting to increase access to mainstream
society for all portions of the population. Emphasis has been placed on
education, employment, and access. Anyone involved with people with
hearing loss should have a working knowledge of the laws
that mandate access.
The Federal government sets up various agencies
to enforce the laws. Each agency is typically responsible for a
particular segment of our society. The Federal Communications Commission
(FCC), for example, enforces laws concerning communications. To become
familiar with the regulations, or to determine what your rights are and
what you can do if they are violated, learn about the various agencies.
January 2008 - Federal
Hiring of People with Disabilities Plummets
