My name is Meverllyn J. Vaughn, and I am the Founder/Executive Director of the Change Connection, and we are changing lives one SIGN at a time.
I started learning American Sign Languages in the mid 80's, when my coworker, Robert Smith who is deaf, wanted to teach me. At the time, I was not interested in learning. However, about one year later, I decided to let him teach me and from then on, I was introduced to a whole new world and culture that I love dearly. I decided to attend El Camino College in Torrance, California to take their Interpreting Training Program where, after two years, I completed the program and received my certificate. 
I am writing this petition on behalf of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities here in California. My personal experiences with the deaf community have driven me to help those who share my passion as well as open my Nonprofit 501 (3c), The Change Connection (vaughnsign.com). I have seen the disparity in regards to the needs of the deaf community, from lack of basic communication assistance in stores or trying to pay a late bill without an Interpreter present. With my petition, I am desperately requesting an immediate change for the deaf community.
The Americans Disability Act (ADA) requires reasonable accommodation for the deaf by providing a Sign Language Interpreter. The ADA requires accommodation for all persons with disabilities, which naturally includes the deaf community. Yet there still remains many issues within public places and events for entertainment, such as amusements parks, music events/concerts/festivals, and sporting clubs/events. This is because there typically is not an available Sign Language Interpreter for these events. As a result, the deaf become frustrated and they are unable to enjoy and/or fully understand these events, especially when large TVs are involved for broadcasting.

In the state of California, there are approximately 3 million people that suffer from hearing loss, approximately 800,000 of those living in the greater Los Angeles area and its surrounding counties (Office of Deaf Access). The deaf community want and need the necessary accommodations, such as a Sign Language Interpreter. My petition seeks that all venues in the state of California make the decision to mandate onsite sign language interpreters at all public entertainment venues. Additionally, tickets purchased for events should include an additional option for the deaf community (i.e. SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER NEEDED). Upon purchasing the ticket with this option selected, they will be notified at that time that they will have an interpreter at their assigned seating.

I kindly request that you support me, my petition, and the deaf communities in California by signing this petition. We can make a change together, and grant accommodations to the deaf community with a Sign Language Interpreter at all venues.