Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)’s Post

Welcome & Inform Your Hard-of-Hearing Patients with Clarity! Patients who depend upon hearing aids and/or cochlear implants are able to communicate clearly and effectively when assistive hearing loops, captions and staffing strategies are in place.  Resources, data and education on this topic here: https://lnkd.in/erBpcwei Are you interested in knowing more about solutions that deliver exactly what your hard-of-hearing patients need to make well-informed decisions about their medical care? Not sure how many patients are affected by hearing loss? Facts: 48M+ in the U.S. live with varying degrees of hearing loss and fewer than 5% of them are fluent in American Sign Language. ASL translation services are not helpful for 95% of patients, family members and staff who have hearing loss. Not sure how important this is? Communication is a critical cornerstone of patient safety and quality care. Ideally, every patient receives information in a manner he or she understands clearly, and every staff member has access to assistive tools and communication strategies .   For a free/no obligation Site Assessment for Hearing Inclusivity and ADA Compliance for "Effective Communications"  please call/text: 516-697-0067 or write to peggy@ad4h.com.  #patientcare #communication #hearingloss #hearinghealth #accessibility #hearingaccess #assisstivetechology #captions #translation #hearingloop #telecoil #cochlear #cochlearimplant #hearingaid #ada #compliance #equitable #access #informedconsent #patient #outcomes #readmissionrate #accreditation #culture #confidence #collaboration Peggy Bell | Sally Wood | Nigel Gardner | Ed Hynes

At the P Francesca Foundation, we're dedicated to ensuring that deaf individuals receive the quality medical care they deserve. In our latest article, we delve into the challenges faced by the deaf community in healthcare settings and share invaluable strategies for promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Challenges in Healthcare for Deaf Individuals: ▪ Communication Barriers: Effective communication is key in healthcare, yet deaf individuals often encounter obstacles due to a lack of sign language interpreters or other aids. ▪ Limited Deaf-Culture Awareness: Healthcare providers may not fully understand the unique needs and preferences of deaf patients, hindering personalized care. ▪ Accessibility of Medical Information: Accessing and understanding medical information can be challenging for deaf individuals, impacting their ability to make informed decisions about their health. Strategies for Promoting Accessibility: ▪ Clear Communication: Utilize sign language interpreters and captioning services to ensure vital information is conveyed effectively. ▪ Self-Advocacy: Deaf individuals must advocate for their needs and preferences to create a supportive care environment. ▪ Support Networks: Establish a strong support network of understanding friends, family, and healthcare professionals to navigate healthcare challenges effectively. Benefits of Accessible Healthcare: ▪ Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: Accessible services foster trust and stronger relationships between deaf individuals and healthcare providers. ▪ Improved Health Outcomes: Effective communication leads to more tailored and efficient care, positively impacting health outcomes. ▪ Equity in Healthcare: Access to the same level of care promotes healthcare equity and reduces disparities. Navigating Healthcare: Tips for Deaf Individuals: ▪ Prepare for Appointments: Understand what to expect and equip yourself to discuss health concerns effectively. ▪ Request Communication Aids: Advocate for sign language interpreters or aids well in advance of appointments. ▪ Research Local Resources: Explore government programs and advocacy organizations for additional support. Together, let's work towards a healthcare system that is truly accessible and inclusive for all. Read the full article to learn more about empowering the deaf community in healthcare. https://lnkd.in/ekXHvMcq #Accessibility #Inclusivity #DeafCommunity #HealthcareEquity #Advocacy

What do deaf patients do when we may not be able to hear our child’s cough, or even our own breathing? Our latest focus group findings reinforce the importance of healthcare professionals understanding and recognizing our cultural differences, which play a big role in equitable healthcare access for our deaf communities. We received grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Health to investigate and improve access to resources and knowledge on COVID-19 and vaccination for our deaf communities. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/grKumd-P. Stay Informed in ASL: We’ve got you covered! Sign up with your email at https://lnkd.in/e6AAs9bk or follow us on social media for new and current health updates. #Research #Accessibility #HealthCare . . . #LearnFromDeafPeople #ASL #Deaf #AmericanSignLanguage #SignLanguage #DeafEcosystem #DeafAwareness #DeafCommunity #DeafPride #DeafCulture #DeafWellness #Communication #Health #Access #ASLVideos #DeafHealth [Video Description: The post has a video thumbnail with blue shading overlaid. The middle has a text bubble that reads “What do our cultural differences look like” in white text with rose background. In the video: A woman with long brown hair and a black shirt faces the camera. Transcript: "Can you show me what that looks like?” Or- “Can you describe what that looks like?” As Deaf patients, we may not be able to hear a child’s cough, or our own breathing, but we can observe our symptoms through sight and touch. Our experience is different. In DeafHealth’s most recent focus group, participants reinforced that Deaf people have visual communication needs. Helping medical and public health officials understand this cultural difference will help us improve our healthcare access. Other meaningful findings from our focus group are in the link in bio or in captions. [The screen fades to show a thumbnail of a faded white background of a doctor holding hands with another individual] Deaf. Healthy. DeafHealth. Learn more at www.deafhealthaccess.org.]

Embracing Accessibility: Insights from MERSEYSIDE SOCIETY FOR DEAF PEOPLE on Healthcare Challenges and Building Inclusive Digital Partnerships Today, I had the honour of visiting MERSEYSIDE SOCIETY FOR DEAF PEOPLE to gain insights into the challenges faced by the deaf community in healthcare settings. It was a wonderful and enlightening experience, filled with invaluable information about how being deaf affects individuals when seeking medical care. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was met with warmth and openness. The staff at the Merseyside Society for Deaf People welcomed me with smiles, eager to share their experiences and perspectives. As we sat down to discuss their encounters with healthcare, I was struck by the challenges they face daily. One of the most eye-opening aspects of the visit was learning about the communication barriers that deaf individuals encounter when seeking healthcare services. From difficulties in understanding medical jargon to feeling isolated during consultations, they face a host of challenges. However, even with these challenges, what stood out was their resilience and determination to advocate for themselves and others in the deaf community. They shared valuable insights into the improvements that could be made within healthcare settings to better accommodate their needs, emphasising the importance of clear communication and accessibility. Leaving the Merseyside Society for Deaf People, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the strength and spirit of the individuals I met. Their stories evidence again to me the critical need for user co-design in healthcare—a process that actively involves patients and incorporates their perspectives into the design and delivery of services. It's clear to me now more than ever that user input is invaluable in creating healthcare systems that are truly inclusive and accessible to all. As a digital programme manager, I am more committed than ever to championing the voices of individuals like those I met today, ensuring that their needs and experiences shape the future of healthcare. I want to express my gratitude to MERSEYSIDE SOCIETY FOR DEAF PEOPLE for opening their doors and sharing their stories with me. It was a truly enlightening and humbling experience that has reinforced my belief in the power of user co-design in transforming healthcare for the better. By working together, we can ensure that inclusivity is at the forefront of our digital initiatives, ultimately making a positive impact on the lives of all patients. Stay tuned for updates on our partnership journey and the strides we are making towards creating a more inclusive healthcare environment for all. #UserCoDesign #HealthcareAccessibility #DigitalHealth #InclusiveDesign

Looking forward to a rich discussion with my colleague Kimberlee Pelkey, MSW NHICS-A, CoreCHI on the importance of #communicationaccess and the various #auxiliaryaids, and services that can be provided to our diverse #patient population. #healthcare #patientsafety #healthequity

Join us! Register now: www.2axend.com/DHHSummit  At 2axend 's:"Deaf and Hard of Hearing Experiences in Healthcare Summit" (online)When: Nov 7 & 8, 2024 / Thursday & Friday What it's about: I will be presenting, joining other advocates and healthcare professionals and administrators in discussing strategies and best practices to improve communication access, drive systemic change and, ultimately, improve the patient experience and outcomes for Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind and late-deafened individuals.#DHHSummit24Image Description:A promotional image for the 2024 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Experiences in Healthcare Summit. At the top is the following text: “I’m Presenting.” Underneath this is the logo for the Summit, an interconnecting circle of six hexagons alternating between orange, gray, and blue. Below the logo is the following text: “November 7-8, 2024 | Virtual.” The URL to learn more about this Summit and to register is included: www.2axend.com/DHHSummit. Underneath this is Valoree Boyer's headshot, their name and session title, “Effectively Triaging Interpreters: Ensuring Timely and Effective Access to Care.” On the bottom right are the words “Powered by 2axend.”

HEALTHCARE FOR THE DEAF: ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE MEDICAL SERVICE At the P Francesca Foundation, we're dedicated to ensuring that deaf individuals receive the quality medical care they deserve. In our latest article, we delve into the challenges faced by the deaf community in healthcare settings and share invaluable strategies for promoting accessibility and inclusivity. Challenges in Healthcare for Deaf Individuals: ▪ Communication Barriers: Effective communication is key in healthcare, yet deaf individuals often encounter obstacles due to a lack of sign language interpreters or other aids. ▪ Limited Deaf-Culture Awareness: Healthcare providers may not fully understand the unique needs and preferences of deaf patients, hindering personalized care. ▪ Accessibility of Medical Information: Accessing and understanding medical information can be challenging for deaf individuals, impacting their ability to make informed decisions about their health. Strategies for Promoting Accessibility: ▪ Clear Communication: Utilize sign language interpreters and captioning services to ensure vital information is conveyed effectively. ▪ Self-Advocacy: Deaf individuals must advocate for their needs and preferences to create a supportive care environment. ▪ Support Networks: Establish a strong support network of understanding friends, family, and healthcare professionals to navigate healthcare challenges effectively. Benefits of Accessible Healthcare: ▪ Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: Accessible services foster trust and stronger relationships between deaf individuals and healthcare providers. ▪ Improved Health Outcomes: Effective communication leads to more tailored and efficient care, positively impacting health outcomes. ▪ Equity in Healthcare: Access to the same level of care promotes healthcare equity and reduces disparities. Navigating Healthcare: Tips for Deaf Individuals: ▪ Prepare for Appointments: Understand what to expect and equip yourself to discuss health concerns effectively. ▪ Request Communication Aids: Advocate for sign language interpreters or aids well in advance of appointments. ▪ Research Local Resources: Explore government programs and advocacy organizations for additional support. Together, let's work towards a healthcare system that is truly accessible and inclusive for all. Read the full article to learn more about empowering the deaf community in healthcare. https://lnkd.in/ekXHvMcq #Accessibility #Inclusivity #DeafCommunity #HealthcareEquity #Advocacy

On National ASL Day, (April 15th), Acentra Health’s DEIB Council hosted an enlightening discussion centered around the book *True Biz* by Sara Nović and the experiences of the deaf and hard of hearing community. We were privileged to have Nathalie Johnston, LMHC, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Coordinator, Middle School, Texas School for the Deaf, and Rose Hukins, Owner, Achieving Integration, LLC, enrich our understanding by dispelling myths and sharing personal insights on being deaf. We also had an interpreter, so everyone could enjoy the discussion and participate. Our eyes were opened to the unique challenges that deaf and hard of hearing individuals face daily, especially in professional environments that often are not designed with their needs in mind. Our guest speakers highlighted several myths that persist about deafness, including the misconception that all individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can read lips or that sign language is universal. A critical takeaway from our event was the importance of proactive inclusion strategies. Simple adjustments can make a significant impact, such as ensuring all videos are captioned and investing in technology that facilitates communication. More importantly, fostering an environment where sign language skills are valued and encouraged can contribute immensely to inclusivity. Our speakers also stressed the need for ongoing education and awareness. It’s not just about making physical changes to the workplace but also about adjusting our attitudes and efforts to communicate effectively and respectfully. We learned, we laughed, and we left the discussion inspired to take steps towards making our workplace more inclusive. Let’s continue to learn, adapt, and support each other in building a truly inclusive community. #DEIB #TrueBiz #Inclusion #Accessibility #DeafAwareness

Went on an assessment today at a Hospital to visit a client that was referred to Heanor Park to the Deaf Household. The client is being assessed for discharge to a Care Home environment due to care needs no longer safely supported at home. Generally, this in itself is a quick, effortless process colloborating between two parties to ensure the best transition of care and support. However, the difference here that is key and shouldn’t be an issue was communication. The client is Deaf. On arrival, the environment was full of hearing people who could not sign. This has a negative impact especially in a hospital setting when time is minimal and often fast paced. What is actually the big difference here and the point in which I am making is the BSL conversations that took place while I was there. The body language perked up, the smile got wider and the eyes became more alive. The conversations became more engaging and flowing and was able to retrieve information (which actually turned out to be key pieces of knowledge) to allow a more holistic potential provision of care with BSL at it’s core. - Clinical assessment and diagnosis - Identify the goals of care - Risks and Management - Develop Person Centred care planning approaches - Deliver the care and support When you look at the ADLs (Activities of Daily Living), just imagine how much communication plays a part and intertwines with each one. If communication is not right, it can affect the care. More BSL support is needed for the older Deaf Adults in Residential Care to ensure that they are enjoying their twilight years the same as any other and not impacted by something that wasn’t their choice.

This is why I love what I do in health and social care job, to make a positive change, and drive the improvement. Sadly, there isn’t enough residential care and support in UK that can deliver the quality of care and support for deaf people that use the service. I’ve seen so many failures in care when their communication needs is not met. It is crucial that positive partnership working is formed to share valuable knowledge and advices to ensure that deaf people can receive the best care and support wherever they goes to. Together, we should take action and tackle the inequalities. #deafcare #partnershipworking #bsl #deafsupport #healthandsocialcare #equalities