VPD introduce new visor cards to improve communication with those who are deaf or hard of hearing

The Vancouver Police Department has partnered with Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility to improve communications with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Vancouver patrol vehicles are now equipped with two-sided visor cards to aid in communications.

“The visor card is a milestone with our local community to improve accessibility and inclusion,” says Christopher T. Sutton, CEO, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility.

“When persons with disabilities can participate in all aspects of society, it enriches Canada’s economic and cultural diversity.”

The statement explains that one side of the card features words and icons to help officers communicate things like the purpose of a traffic stop, the need to see a license or how to pay or dispute a ticket.

The other side is for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to express their needs and the best way to communicate with them.

These cards are funded through a grant from the Vancouver Police Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the detachment’s efforts to promote community well-being.

“We know it can be stressful and frustrating when a person who is deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing experiences barriers to inclusion, so when the folks at Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility approached us [...] we jumped at the chance to partner,” says Sgt Steve Addison.

Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is a non-profit, charity organization that delivers services to help those who are deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing to have full communication accessibility.