From the desk of Teresa Goddard, M.S., Lead Consultant – Sensory Team
JAN has been getting quite a few questions about hearing and accessibility of telephone calls, conference calls, and video conferencing. As a result of increased reliance on telework and telehealth services. Many workplaces have experienced communication challenges while making a rapid transition to telework. Supporting employees who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are working remotely, may require planning and adjustments to accommodations so that services such as CART, captioning, and interpreting can be provided effectively.
Consumers, students, and patients who are deaf or hard of hearing may benefit from similar accommodation approaches. Remember, when choosing a telehealth delivery method, it may be necessary to check the professional or ethical standards for the provider’s professional organization and rules and guidelines provided by health insurance companies, as well as governmental guidelines. Also be sure to use auxiliary aids and services that will be effective in meeting the needs of the patient and/or their medical provider with hearing related needs.
Conference calls/video chatting with CART/Captioning support:
Currently, there is no automated captioning for telephones as far as we are aware here at JAN. If video calls could be substituted for phone calls, [...]