POLICY ON PROCEDURES FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION TO PERSONS WITH SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS

Bayou Pierre Water System will take such steps as are necessary to insure that qualified handicapped persons,  including those with impaired sensory skills, receive effective notice. All aids needed to provide this notice, e.g., sign-language interpreters, readers, etc., are provided without cost to the person being
served.

FOR PERSONS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENTS 1. Qualified sign-language interpreter For persons who are hearing-impaired and who use sign-language as their primary means of communication, the following procedure has been developed and resources identified for obtaining the services of a qualified sign language interpreter to communicate both verbal and written information: Bayou Pierre Water System will provide qualified sign language interpreters on an as needed basis. Such an interpreter will be used at job interviews, large meeting, explanations of policies and procedures, etc. A minimum advance notice for such use is seven days unless circumstances or conditions dictate lesser time. In that case, the minimum time will be that required to notify the organization furnishing the interpreter as well as the time required for that organization to act. When time permits the request is to be in writing. If request is made orally, written documentation must be prepared and placed in the appropriate file. The following person(s) is authorized to obtain an interpreter: Alisa Carpenter, Board President.

The following organization will be contacted when an interpreter is needed:
Louisiana Commission for the Deaf Registry of State-Certified Interpreters
Mary Burns
SO David Burns Road
Boyce, LA 71409
(318) 793-8184
(318) 308-2042 (cell)
terpmb@suddenlink.net

OR

Mary H. Young
146 Davenport Lane
Pineville, LA 71360-7302
(318) 640-4082
(318) 201-0660
maryhyoung214@gmail.com

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1. Policy on Procedures
Information to be furnished when requesting an interpreter:
1. Reason for using interpreter services.
2. Date and time services are needed.
3. Place where interpreter is to report and directions if needed.
4. Name and title of person requesting services.
5. Name, address and telephone number of Bayou Pierre Water System.

6. How is cost for services to be billed. Understanding of cost (cost per hour, travel cost, etc.).

7. How is interpreter to be notified in case of cancelation or change in time or place.
8. How the Bayou Pierre Water System will be notified if services cannot be furnished as agreed to.

2. Written materials
All program information will be provided to hearing impaired persons in writing. Printed materials and writing materials are available
3. The Bayou Pierre Water System utilizes the Louisiana Hearing Impaired Relay System for
communicating with hearing impaired persons. The relay numbers are: Information 1-800-333-
0605; TDD Users 1-800-846-5277; and Voice Users 1-800-947-5277.
4. Any other auxiliary aids should be discussed.

FOR PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
1. Reader
Staff will communicate the content of written materials by reading them out loud to visually
impaired persons.
2. Large print, taped, and Braille materials
3. Any other available aids should be discussed.
FOR PERSONS WITH MANUAL IMPAIRMENTS
1. Personal assistance with completing forms and other writing.
2. Typewriters
3. Other adaptive self-help devices.