As a deaf person who loves adventure and travel, I have been most uncomfortable about going on a cruise. In fact, I NEVER go on a cruise because of safety concerns where my security and safety is seriously compromised due to lack of accessible environment during routine activities which is obviously going to be worse in times of emergency. Furthermore, my concern for the lack of appropriate access is not limited to those who cannot hear--it is about full access for people with disabilities. The determination for what consitutes aappropraite access should never be left to cruise line operators or owners. It should be decided by appropraite forum which involves people with disabilities.
In addition to many comments about access for deaf and hard of hearing people, I would like to add videophone to the list as more people are using it to communicate through relay service or other people. Thank you.
Stephen F. Weiner, Ed.D.
Communication Studies
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
VP: 202-651-5730
Dept. Phone: 202-651-5420