NYC Reaches Settlement for Deaf Services in Shelters

New York City has agreed to improve its homeless shelters and offer more training to shelter staff so deaf and hearing impaired residents and applicants can get the aids and services they need.

Under settlement agreements filed Monday in the Eastern District case, United States v. City of New York, 15-cv-5986, and Ihetu v. City of New York, 13-cv-01732, the city will provide a qualified interpreter upon request, and will install visual alarm appliances in numerous units for families with children, adult families, single men and single women.

Shelter staff will be trained on effective communication under the pact.