Examining Gaps in Emergency Services for the Deaf and Hard‐of‐Hearing Community: A Case Study of Monroe County, New York

ABSTRACT This study examines gaps in emergency services for deaf and hard‐of‐hearing (DHH) individuals in Monroe County, New York, using original survey data from both DHH community members and first responders. We analyze DHH individuals' emergency preparedness, response capacity and challenges in accessing essential services such as receiving alerts and interacting with emergency personnel. Findings indicate low levels of satisfaction among DHH respondents, partly due to the mismatch between their strong preference for direct communication through American Sign Language (ASL) or interpreters and the limited availability of ASL services during emergencies. Communication with first responders often relied on less preferred methods like writing, gestures or assistance from friends or family members. Results also reveal differences in communication preferences between DHH individuals who both sign and speak English versus those who only sign, highlighting the community's diverse needs. First responders also reported a lack of ASL services and reliance on ad hoc communication strategies. Many reported no formal training in DHH‐specific communication, which appeared to affect their interaction with DHH individuals. Our findings underscore the urgent need to expand interpreter services, standardize cultural competency training and strengthen partnerships with DHH community groups.