Deaf workers sue Calif alleging failure to provide interpreters, proper emergency procedures

Lawsuit: Calif fails to accommodate deaf workers

SAN FRANCISCO — Deaf and hard-of-hearing state employees are suing California officials, claiming the state has failed to properly accommodate their disability.

The lawsuit seeking class action status was filed Friday in San Francisco Superior Court.

The employees say the state regularly fails to provide interpreters during meetings, job training and performance reviews. It also says the state does not have adequate evacuation procedures or warning lights to alert deaf people during an emergency.

The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages, only improvements to state procedures. There are about 1,500 state workers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

The governor’s office and state attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. They are defendants in the case.