How Deaf/Hard of Hearing-friendly is Your Office Space?
Tuesday, July 15th 12:00-2:00 pm EST
Agenda:
12:00-2:00 pm EST Virtual Presentation
“How Deaf/Hard of Hearing-friendly is Your Office Space?”
Abstract:
Providing an accessible audiology office improves communication, patient satisfaction, and overall service delivery for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals. This session will outline key considerations for optimizing acoustics, lighting, and office design to minimize barriers. Topics will include communication access strategies before, during and after appointments such as the use of interpreters, assistive technologies, captioning, and speech-to-text services. Participants will also learn how to create accessible websites and offer alternative contact methods beyond phone calls. Addressing bias in clinical interactions and ensuring that staff are trained to support DHH patients will be discussed. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to enhance accessibility at every stage of patient interaction.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key environmental and technological modifications that enhance accessibility for DHH individuals in audiology office settings, including acoustics, lighting, and assistive communication tools.
- Demonstrate effective communication strategies before, during, and after appointments, including the use of interpreters, captioning, speech-to-text services, and alternative contact methods.
- Evaluate policies and staff practices to recognize and reduce bias while promoting inclusive, patient-centered care for DHH individuals
Satisfactory Completion:
To be eligible to earn ASHA Continuing Education Units (CEUs) participants must attend the presentation in full and complete a provided post-course assessment and course evaluation.
Presenter:
Tina Gonzales Childress, Au.D., CCC-A is a dynamic educational audiologist who bridges the worlds of audiology, accessibility, and lived experience. Working in both mainstream and residential school settings, she is also a sought-after presenter, adjunct lecturer, and mentor to individuals of all ages navigating hearing loss. As a late-deafened adult with bilateral cochlear implants and fluency in American Sign Language, Dr. Childress brings a rare and valuable dual perspective—equally at home in Deaf and hearing communities.
Her expertise spans assistive and access technologies for both visual and auditory communicators, advocacy for inclusive practices in performing arts spaces and virtual platforms, and supporting the emotional journey of hearing loss. A recognized leader, she actively contributes to local, state, and national Boards and Committees and creates widely used online resources to empower individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and those who support them. Explore her resource hub at TinaChildressAuD.com.
Disclosures:
Tina Gonzalez Childress has a relevant financial relationship in the form of a speaking fee Royalty Honoraria. Tina Gonzalez Childress has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose
This program is offered for .2 CEUs, 2 hours (Introductory, Related area)
