Clement So testifies on CCHR data collection and ASL video intake
Clement So, executive director of the Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association, says CCHR lacks direct ASL video intake and centralized data on accessibility violations experienced by deaf residents. He says without direct video intake and systematic data collection, CCHR cannot measure disability discrimination or direct enforcement effectively.
Okay.
Good morning, chair members of this council.
My name is Clement So, executive director of the Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association, or MADA.
We're advocates for communication access and civil rights for deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind New Yorkers.
I am here today to address a few critical points regarding CCHR's enforcement role in key pending legislation.
One, strengthening CCHR's data collection and direct accessibility.
While CCHR plays a vital role in investigating discrimination, critical operation gaps hamper its ability to protect deaf New Yorkers.
There's no direct ASL video at the intake line.
CCHR currently lacks a dedicated directly accessible video communication line, such as a direct video phone channel.
Deaf and ASL signing residents face immediate language and technical barriers when attempting to file complaints or report discrimination.
Severe data collection deficit.
CCHR currently maintains no active metrics or centralized reporting frameworks tracking accessibility violations experienced by deaf residents.
CCHR lacks comprehensive information on these trends.
Without direct video intake and systematic data collection, CCHR cannot accurately measure the scope of disability discrimination in NYC or direct its enforcement effectively.