FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          CR
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1996                             (202) 616-2765
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

                                 
        RED CROSS AGREES TO MAKE CPR CLASSES ACCESSIBLE
                  TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF
                                
     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- People who are deaf will now be able to
fully participate in CPR classes, under an agreement reached
today between the Justice Department and the San Francisco Bay
Area Red Cross.  
     Today's agreement stems from a complaint filed with the
Justice Department in June 1995 by Mary Skyer of San Francisco. 
Skyer, who is deaf and uses a sign-language interpreter to
communicate, contacted the Red Cross in San Francisco to inquire
about signing up for a CPR course.  At that time, the Red Cross
told her she could register for the course but they could not
provide an interpreter, which meant that Skyer would be unable to
understand the instructions.  Today's agreement resolves the
complaint under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
     "This settlement will mean that more Americans will learn
how to save lives," said Assistant Attorney General Deval
Patrick.  "I applaud the Bay Area Red Cross for acting promptly
and for taking steps to ensure that people with disabilities have
the same access to CPR training that everyone else has." 
     Under the agreement the Bay Area Red Cross will:
    provide auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language
     interpreters, when necessary for individuals who are deaf; 

    consult promptly with individuals with disabilities
     regarding their requests and needs;  

    offer Skyer a free course with an interpreter present; and,

    distribute pamphlets, posters and other information to the
     public concerning the new policy.  


     "This agreement serves as a model to other training
providers around the country,"  added Patrick. 
     The ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with
disabilities.  Title III of the ADA requires private entities
that provide services to the public, like the Red Cross, to take
steps to communicate effectively with members of the public who
have hearing disabilities.  Organizations covered under the act
are required to provide appropriate services, such as sign
language interpreters, unless the provision of such would result
in an undue burden. 
     Copies of the settlement may be obtained by calling the
Justice Department's toll-free ADA Information Line.  The
information line was established by Attorney General Janet Reno
as part of a nationwide campaign to educate the public about the
ADA.  The number is 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD).  
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