Sign language in meetings for the deaf?

[Wisconsin_Al]

A curious comment was made in a business meeting and I am wondering about the accuracy of it.

The question of allowing someone who can sign into meetings, for those who are hard of hearing, came up. I feel this is a great idea and I have no issue with this.

Some had issue allowing a non-alcoholic (the signer) in a closed AA meeting which gave me pause to reconsider my position. But I decided I still am comfortable with this and personally I have no issue.

But then someone said that we could not exclude a signer, for not being an alcoholic, because the “Americans with disabilities act"” forbids baring them.

Question – Does anyone understand the law well enough to know if AA must allow non-AA members who sign in meetings for those hard of hearing? Do you know where to find reading on this?

Thanks

[jimhere]

I just got home from our local intergroup where my homegroup answers phones every fourth Sunday. Our area seembly is coming up and we discussed the motions that are slated to be on the agenda. One motion addresses the need for our area newsletter to be printed in Spanish four times a year. The discussion ranged from "let them learn English," to the PC language so prevaleant in our city (Seattle).

I think the issue goes beyond PC or not PC. We have two non-geographic Spanish speaking districts in our area, which is the Western Washington Area 72 of Alcoholics Anonymous. About eight years ago, a motion was introduced on the floor at an assembly to form an area accessibilities committee to help meet the needs of alcoholics who may be hearing impaired, non-english speaking, or otherwise physically or mentally challenged, to participate in our service structure. At the time there were a few meetings in Seattle that provided ASL signing for deaf members, but nothing beyond the group level.

After about six years of discussion, in 2005 an Area Accessibilities Comittee was formed. It functions the same as the other committees-Treatment, CPC, Corrections, etc. Now we have non-alcoholic signers at our area business functions. I do not know about legalities, but I do know that by group conscious that area business functions have traditionally been closed meetings. But it was decided that this issue goes beyond the letter of the law into the spirit. These are not "deaf alcoholics," but alcoholics and fellow AA members who wish to participate. The spirit of Concept Four declares that no AA member shall be excluded from participating in AA. That is the principle of right of participation. In the case of the Spanish speaking members, it goes beyond PC or not PC. These are not legal or illegal, documented or undocumented. They are alcoholics who wish to recover and participate. Our Third Tradition states that our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism and that membership ought not depend on money or conformity. That means language as well.
Jim

[dgillz]

Any action to accommodate people with disabilities that places an "undue burden" on the affected party can be turned down. Here is one link that specifically mentions signers:

http://www.usps.org/national/lawcom/ADA.html

[Tazman53]

This comes to mind:

"I am responsible when any one, any where needs help, I want the hand of AA always to be there, and for that I am responsible."

"5. Each group has but one primary purpose--to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers."

"3. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking."

Last meeting I went to I did not see ony one at the door telling anyone they were not entitled to a chance at "The solution".

[fraankie]

good post
lots of good comments
"signer" is a benefit to meetings

best
fraankie

[barb dwyer]

way to be, Taz... good post!

Good post, too JimHere, your post gave an insight into District Area meetings that I don't know many members get.

so imagine a meeting that reads like JimHere's post - then *barb* piping up with an answer liek Taz ...

and that's pretty much the deal ot *our* district.

they're calling me 'enthusiastic' and 'refreshing' .... LOL

[barb dwyer]

sign is beautiful to watch. I had a deaf customer in the bar ... I'd raz her about shouting at me all the time. She'd bring her friends in. They only came when I worked, though,.

It's be way cool to watch 'how it works' in sign, I think.

[Tazman53]

4 of my children have taken ASL in school, my son was a waiter while he was in school and a deaf family came in, he noticed they were deaf and went over and took thier order in sign. This family was ecstatic, they said it was the most enjoyable dinner out they had ever had because they were able to converse with their server rather then pointing at the menu and writing little notes. Did I mention he got a MONSTER tip? LOL