Sign language interpreters have proven to be a lifeline for the deaf community at a time when face masks are obstacles in daily communication, and access to reliable information about COVID-19 in real-time is essential.
With more than 350,000 Canadians who are deaf, public health briefings about the novel coronavirus pandemic are delivered in English and French as well as in sign language. “Especially at a time like this when there is a crisis, who’s the most vulnerable people is those people that don’t have access to information,” said Windsor-based sign language interpreter Rebecca Stuckless in an interview with Global News reporter Mike Drolet.