Deaf Lewiston shooting survivors continue call for better support [Video]

The Lewiston mass shooting had significant and unique impacts on Maine’s deaf community.Four members of the deaf community were among the victims killed at Schemengees Bar and Grille: Joshua Seal, Stephen Vozzella, William Brackett and Bryan MacFarlane.According to the Lewiston Commission’s report, American Sign Language interpreters self-dispatched to hospitals and the reunification center. But since they were not called to respond, those interpreters were initially turned away due to security concerns and an inability to verify requests through the incident command center. Several hours would pass before they were let into hospitals or the reunification center.Maine State Police officials told 8 Investigates they are currently taking a look at their policy that covers interactions with people who are deaf.In the aftermath of the shooting, Maine’s Total Coverage heard complaints about the remote and virtual interpretation systems being utilized.Steve Richards Kretlow, who is deaf and was shot in the leg the …