For the first time ever, new New York Police Department recruits learn American Sign Language

There are more than a 100.000 deaf or hard-hearing people living in New York city. When they are in need of help it is hard for them to communicate with the police. Watch the video to find out more.

Watch the video.

1. What do the new members of the NYPD need to learn in American Sign Language (ASL)?
2. Why is it important for the new police officers to learn sign language?
3. According to Rachel Magriz, what is the most important reason for police officers to know sign language?
4. Why is this a personal matter for Rachel Magriz?
5. What kind of sentences do the police officers learn?
6. Compared to a few years ago, what has improved for the deaf and hearing impaired community?
7. Discuss in pairs: Do you think that the new members of the NYPD learning ASL will make a difference? How/why?
8. Discuss in class: Do you think it would be good for other professions to learn sign language as well? Which ones?

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