Before signing or sharing this petition, please note that it is important for everyone to understand the impact of these accessibility services on real people. The call for ASL interpreters in emergency briefings isn’t just about preference—it’s about equity, inclusion, and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their hearing abilities, have access to critical information. While the petition addresses Charlie Kirk's comments, it encourages everyone to consider the value of accessible communication, especially in emergencies.

Over 250,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, including children of Deaf adults (CODAs), rely on American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during emergency briefings. ASL is the primary language for this community and is not interchangeable with closed captioning, which can be delayed and often doesn’t capture the urgency of live events. Charlie Kirk, a well-known public figure, recently suggested that ASL interpreters during emergency briefings are a “distraction.” This harmful and misguided statement undermines the very real needs of those who depend on interpreters for timely and accurate information.

If ASL interpreters are removed or marginalized during critical moments, Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals risk being left in the dark. Emergency briefings are a vital part of public safety, and without equal access to information, members of this community face increased danger. The stakes are high: people’s lives could be at risk due to a lack of timely, accessible communication. The impact of this decision extends beyond the Deaf community, setting a dangerous precedent that suggests their needs are not important in moments of crisis.

Charlie Kirk’s comments are just one example of how the needs of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community are being overlooked. Now more than ever, we must stand together to demand equal access to information for all. The importance of ASL interpreters in emergency situations cannot be overstated, and immediate action is needed to ensure that their vital role is recognized and protected. This is a call for inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of how they hear the world around them.

Join us in advocating for ASL interpreters to be prioritized in emergency briefings, and stand up for the rights of those who need them most. It’s time for Charlie Kirk—and everyone else—to learn the importance of accessible communication and to support the Deaf community in their time of need.

Here's the video in question if you want to watch this first: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=8639421526167218

Sign this petition today to show your support for ASL interpreters in emergency briefings and help ensure that critical information is available to everyone, regardless if they are deaf or hard of hearing.