For many hard of hearing people, reading lips is the only way to communicate effectively. Therefore, on behalf of my dear friend who is hearing impaired, and the members of deaf/hard of hearing community in NYS, I want to make it mandatory for all persons including but not limited to, medical, police, fire, grocery, to have CLEAR FACE MASKS available to be able to communicate with members of this community.

Wearing face masks has become a necessary way of life as of late due to coronavirus but for many like my friend Tracy, it has become a nightmare. Not being able to understand a doctor or police officer which she has had to deal with recently, have been terrifying & upsetting experiences.

We ask you, Governor Andrew Cuomo, to make these clear face masks available to all necessary workers who may come in contact with deaf/hard of hearing people.