Rutherford, Takano Relaunch the Congressional Deaf Caucus in the 118th Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman John Rutherford (FL-05) and Congressman Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement after relaunching the Congressional Deaf Caucus in the 118th Congress. Rutherford and Takano will serve as co-chairs of this bipartisan caucus dedicated to bolstering the relationship between members of Congress and their Deaf and hard of hearing constituents and advocating for accessibility policies.
"For the last ten years, the Congressional Deaf Caucus has focused on bringing awareness to the challenges felt by Deaf and hard of hearing Americans, including those at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind located in Northeast Florida," said Rep. Rutherford. "I am excited to join Rep. Takano again in addressing opportunities in Congress to promote equity for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities."
"I'm thrilled to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Congressional Deaf Caucus by relaunching the Caucus in the 118th Congress with Representative Rutherford," said Rep. Mark Takano. "As a former teacher, and the representative in Congress for the California School for the Deaf in Riverside, I will continue to work to breakdown educational barriers for the hard-of-hearing and fight for robust resources to make schools more accessible for Deaf students and their families. As Members of Congress, I believe it is our charge to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society for all."
Last Congress, the Congressional Deaf Caucus sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission encouraging an increase in compensation rates for Video Relay Services. In May 2021, the Caucus held a briefing on legislation to improve services and educational opportunities for students who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and deaf-blind. Rutherford and Takano also published an op-ed on the award-winning film "CODA" and its lesson that Deaf Americans can participate fully in public life and their democratic institutions.
###