Biden to have sign interpreter at every press briefing
Donald Trump and Kayleigh McEnany were sued last year over lack of translator at Covid events
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Joe Biden will have a sign language interpreter at the daily White House press briefings, it had been announced.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that the president wants an American Sign Language interpreter to become a regular part of the re-instituted news conferences.
It is the first time in history that a sign language interpreter will be added to the daily briefing.
The Biden administration is again holding on camera briefings every day after they were largely shelved by Donald Trump and Kayleigh McEnany.
“As a part of this administration's accessibility and inclusion efforts, starting today, we will have an ASL, an American Sign Language interpreter, for our daily press briefings," said Ms Psaki, on Monday.
"The president is committed to building an America that is more inclusive, more just and more accessible for every American, including Americans with disabilities and their families.”
Last year, the National Association of the Deaf and five individuals sued Mr Trump and Ms McEnany for failing to provide an interpreter at Covid briefings, and claimed it violated the First Amendment.
The US has more than 37 million adults, 15 per cent of the over 18 population, with some degree of hearing problems, according to the National Institute of Health.
Governors in all 50 states already provide sign language interpretation for their public briefings.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments