I am deeply moved to write this petition because in my daily work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, I witness firsthand the systemic barriers they face. In Guam's schools and public systems, these individuals are often marginalized due to the lack of a comprehensive Language Access Plan. The absence of qualified interpreters, captioning services, and accessible emergency alerts doesn't just hinder communication—it jeopardizes safety, hinders learning, and strikes at the heart of equity.

Imagine walking into a classroom every day, eager to learn, yet unable to fully grasp the lesson because an interpreter isn’t available. Picture the anxiety and fear that come with emergency situations when you can't understand alerts designed to keep you safe. These are not occasional oversights; they're daily realities for many Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and individuals living in Guam.

This issue represents a broader, systemic failure that needs urgent addressing. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 15% of American adults report some trouble hearing, and in Guam, these numbers represent our friends, our students, and our family members. It is our moral obligation to support their communication needs.

A Language Access Plan would ensure that communication barriers are dismantled. In other U.S. regions, similar plans have proven transformative, ensuring equal access to information and services. We propose implementing a comprehensive Language Access Plan for Guam, which includes hiring qualified interpreters, establishing a captioning service in schools, and integrating accessible emergency alert systems. These actions can lead to profound improvements in education and quality of life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.

By supporting this petition, you're advocating for an equitable and just system where every individual, regardless of their hearing ability, has the right to communication access. Let us stand together and urge the Government of Guam and relevant stakeholders to establish and enforce a Language Access Plan.

Please sign this petition to demand the change our community deserves.