More licences for the deaf - Accessing insurance coverage remains difficult

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

At least 12 deaf motorists have been granted a driver's licence recently. However Rian Gayle, research/advocacy officer in the Social Services Department of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf (JAD), pointed out that there could be more, as persons in the rural areas have not been accounted for.

Gayle said while many deaf persons attempt to earn a driver's licence, "we can't say how many attempt every year. We only know of those who are successful".

Deaf motorists were allowed to take the driver's licence examination two years ago, after years of advocacy and debate. In January 2011, Rory McLean was the first deaf man in Jamaica to be issued a driver's licence, Felicia Campbell becoming the first woman in July that year. Among the groups which waged a campaign over the issue were JAD and Deaf Drivers For Equality.

Ludlow Powell, director of the Island Traffic Authority (ITA), told Automotives that "approval was first given, with certain restrictions, to grant (deaf) motorists drivers' licences on June 16, 2005. This was further amended on June 11, 2010, deleting some of the restrictions. The approval took some years, and the agency influencing the approval was JAD".

However, Powell said "we do not issue commercial or PPV driver's licences to deaf persons".

30-year fight

The 2005 restriction was irritating, as Gayle said "after 30 years of campaigning, the Road Traffic Act was changed to allow deaf persons to drive - on one condition. That was if they could find a coping device to install in their vehicle, which would warn deaf drivers of approaching emergency vehicles. The deaf community was unhappy with this, as no such device existed".

In February 2010, the lobby group Deaf Drivers for Equality was formed, and in June that year the coping device requirement was dropped.

Powell explained that when deaf drivers are being tested the process is adjusted. "For example, additional time has to be allotted for explanation of the driving test through the interpreter, who is a member of JAD," he said. Giving further details, Gayle said "there is a signing officer seated in the front of the car, who listens to the examiner in the back and then uses their hands and give directions to the deaf driver"

Still, Gayle said there is are elements of the process which the deaf community is displeased with. "They feel it is unfair that they have to pay extra money to do an audiologist test before doing the examination. They don't understand why they have to prove to the examiner that they are deaf, as it will not make a difference in how they are tested. A few also objected to having the word 'Deaf' written on their licences," he said.

The deaf learn to drive in the same way as those who can hear. "There is no specific driving school for them. Some are already skilled - some got their lessons from family members or friends, and some do go to ordinary driving schools like everyone else," Gayle said. "Deaf persons only go to JAD if there is discrimination at the depot or a barrier, but they do not go there for assistance to prepare for their test. JAD only assists with advocacy and deaf education, among a few other things."

However, auto-insurance coverage seems to be an ongoing challenge for deaf drivers. Deaf driver Kamar Groves said he had a hard time getting a policy, and was actually shunned on several occasions. In other instances the rates were exorbitant.

Only one of the several insurance companies which Automotives contacted was willing to speak on the issue.

Kaycia Johnson, marketing and sales manager at JN General Insurance Company (JNGI), said deaf drivers are welcome. "At JNGI we treat all customers equally. As such, deaf drivers are treated like any other risk. We underwrite based on age, driving experience and claims history. We do not decline risks based on the fact that someone is deaf. We currently have some deaf customers," she said.

In sensitising the public about deaf drivers, JAD addresses some frequently asked questions on its website, www.jamdeaf.org.jm/articles/deaf-drivers.