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Tips for Hard of Hearing People in the Workplace
Beth Wilson SHHH Atlanta Convention 2003 This presentation may be freely used by any SHHH Chapters. It’s available for download from Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Workshop Goals Identify communication challenges in the workplace ADA and employment Effective strategies Technology solutions The goals for this workshop include identifying common communication challenges encountered in the workplace. We’ll talk about the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it impacts employment. We’ll then talk about effective strategies and techniques to address communication in a group setting. We’ll also discuss technology solutions that are available to help us in the workplace. Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Tips for the Workplace The Problem Myths and Assumptions Letting People Know The Office The Meeting Coping Strategies Americans with Disabilities Act Facilities Technology The workshop is organized in two parts. First we’ll focus on the problem. What are the myths and assumptions about our hearing loss that torture us in the workplace environment. How do we let people know not only that we have a hearing loss, but how to make communication easier for all of us. What are the challenges in the office where your communication is typically one on one. What are the challenges in a meeting where you not only have a group setting, but also group dynamics. The second part is about coping strategies. What does the Americans with Disabilities Act say about employment for people with hearing loss. What kind of strategies can you use with the telephone. What kind of strategies can you use with the building and conference rooms. We’ll also talk about solutions that can be designed using technology. You can take the information from this part and ambush the exhibitors here in the convention hall! Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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The Problem Myths and Assumptions
Hard of hearing = Deaf Lipreading Useable Volume and Background Noise Hearing Aids Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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1) Hard of Hearing is Not Just Less Deaf
whispering Hearing conversation Hard of Hearing loudness consonants vowels whistle teenager's music Deaf frequency Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Cultural Labels Deaf Part of Deaf culture/community Deafness is an identity deaf Cannot hear well even with hearing aid Culturally hearing (translation: isolated) Hard of hearing May hear better with a hearing aid Not hearing and not Deaf My spouse thinks I can’t hear Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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So you can lipread, right?
2. The Lipreading Myth You’re hard of hearing! So you can lipread, right? Only when I want to get myself in trouble... Hollywood Teaches Us: When someone loses their hearing they are able to lipread as compensation Reality Is: Lipreading is a difficult skill that few are able to master Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
An Example ? Can you bowl next week against the Tow Trucks? Which Team is it Really? Navy Department 20 Navy Department 60 Raytheon A Raytheon B Coast Guard Army Marines Sure -- I’ll be there! Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
! I hear the COAST GUARD has a good team! Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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An “expert” lipreader is guessing at 66% of what is said!
Lipreading Reality Lipreading is only successful when the speaker never moves all the words are known the words are predictable Only 1/3 of speech is visible on the lips An “expert” lipreader is guessing at 66% of what is said! Lipreading is critical to understanding Lipreading is a tool that helps Lipreading cannot be the only accommodation Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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How Does Lipreading Work?
“f” “s” How air is stopped (teeth, lips, none) Inside the mouth Throat Vocal Chords “s” versus “f” same except for the highest frequency sound the same with a high frequency loss they look different on the lips Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Filling in the Gaps Hard of Hearing People Play “fill in the gaps”
to guess at the missing notes A C O P S U N DE R __ T A N D Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Losing the Race In noise there are more gaps to fill. U DE R __ T A D
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Competing Speech Is Worst
With nearby conversations we get extra words to sort out. U Q DE R __ T A R D A O C S P Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Eventually We Fall Behind
When the next phrase arrives before we sorted out the previous one, it becomes too hard to keep up. Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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3. Useable Volume Volume = 3 Volume = 5 Volume = 8
Can you turn it up, I can’t understand the program Can you turn it down, I can’t think over here. Ouch Perfect Volume = 3 Volume = 5 Volume = 8 Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Common Phenomenon for Hard of Hearing People
Need “8” to understand Need “3” to ignore Everything in between is useless This leads to misunderstandings about what volume is necessary: To hear To understand To concentrate Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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4. The Truth about Hearing Aids
Hearing aids do not “fix” hearing loss not like glasses external amplifier has to go through “bad” ear Problems with hearing aids amplify background noise can have interference from equipment Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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The Problem Letting People Know
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Letting People Know Describe Your Hearing Loss Sooner Not Later One-on-one: “before we get started” Large group: “my name is … and you should know …” Include Specifics “I hear low tones” “I do okay if I can lipread the speaker” Offer Suggestions “Things are easier if we leave the lights on” “I need people to face me when they speak” “I can’t lipread someone facing the screen” Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Varying Accommodation Needs
Office Co-workers Visitors Telephone Meetings Discussion Lectures Virtual Emergencies (fire alarm) The difficult part about making your workplace accessible is that there are so many things that need to be accommodated. Sometimes your boss thinks you are all set if you have a TTY in your office. But that doesn’t help at all when you go to a mandatory training session. The TTY isn’t going to let me know that the fire alarm is ringing. We need different strategies for different situations. You need different strategies for different situations. Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Variation for People My loss is different Variations within the same setting I can do that for an hour, but not all day I can understand familiar voices I have trouble with accents Sometimes you think it is difficult being the trail blazer. You feel like you are always the first person requesting accommodation for hearing loss. Wouldn’t it be easier if there had been someone before you. Not necessarily. What if their accommodations don’t work for you? I try to be careful in explaining that I can use a sign language interpreter because I happen to sign. I explain that many hard of hearing people do not sign and I even simplify it and say that I sign because my sister is Deaf. But I know that the next person will probably have to explain why they need captioning. Not only are there variations for me in different settings, but there is variation within the same setting. I have trouble explaining why I can talk on the phone but I want remote captioning for a teleconference. I have trouble explaining why I can participate in the weekly meeting with just my hearing aid but I want extra equipment for for the all-day customer review. It is hard to explain that “it depends.” The first issue is the length of the meeting. I explain that hearing is an active sport for me. Yes, I can run for 20 minutes on the treadmill, but that doesn’t mean I can sign up for the Boston Marathon. Just because I can listen for an hour without dropping from exhaustion doesn’t mean I didn’t take an aspirin as soon as I left the meeting. When I start a problem I need a conference microphone to be able to understand anything at the meeting. Within a month or two, I can work with my hearing aid. I explain that when I get used to people’s voices I can understand them easier. I also explain that when I learn who does all the talking, I find a better place to sit. I have worked on a variety of programs involving British, Australian, and even Russian scientists. I have to work very hard to understand a new voice, and an accent makes it almost impossible. I learned early to request extra accommodations when there was an accent involved. Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Formula for Accommodations
Beth’s Example One-on-One: Hearing aid Less than 7 People I Know: Hearing aid with “rules” Less than 7 New People: Loop Large Group, 1 Speaker: FM System Large Group, Discussion: Interpreter One trick I learned with this variation was to set it up as a set of rules. This is an example of what I wrote up for my HR people on my accommodation needs. Formula for Accommodations Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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The Problem Office (one-on-one)
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Your Office Move Your Furniture if You Can Work without distraction Don’t be startled when a visitor arrives Able to hear visitors that stop in Let Them Know You are HOH “Face me” button Communication tips poster Knock loudly sign on the door Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
The Telephone Answering Machine Tip Phone Flasher Amplifier TTY Caller ID “Hi, this is Beth Wilson. I can’t take your call right now but please leave a message for me after the tone. Because I am hard of hearing, I need you to speak clearly and state your name and number slowly. If I am not familiar with your name, and it is more complicated than my name, it would also be helpful if you would spell it for me. Thank you.” Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Your Computer You can use a loop in the headphone jack Sound applications muted Play as loud as you want! Directly to your hearing aid IP Relay available Use to clarify understanding Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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The Problem Meetings (group)
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
The Meeting Speak up About the Seating Arrangements “I need to have my back to the window so I can lipread” “I can’t sit near the projector, it is all I hear on my hearing aid” “That beard needs to be directly across from me” Speak Up About Your Needs Some lights during a presentation “Who is speaking?” Use Humor to Ease the Situation “My answers will be more entertaining than I intended if we don’t turn the lights back on.” “Unless you’re going to give that wall my action items you need to turn around.” Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Cost-free Accommodations
Suggested Seating Arrangements Back to the window Away from a projector People difficult to hear closer Main speaker closer Rules of Conduct Lights up during a presentation Speakers talk one at a time Speakers identified Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Ask What to Expect How many people will be speaking? How close will I be able to sit? Will there be videos? What is the format? Lecture Discussion Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Coping Strategies ADA Title I:Employment
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
ADA Impact ADA Applies to: Effective Companies with 15 or more employees Employment agencies Unions July 26, 1994 (15 or more employees) July 1992 (25 or more employees) Who is “Exempt”? Federal government (covered under 504) Indian tribes Tax-exempt private membership clubs Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Qualified Individual Is:
ADA focuses on job performance, not marginal duties applying for a job or promotion maintaining current job Answering telephone not necessarily “part of the job” answering a telephone is often a marginal duty Illinois case (1989) time and attendance clerk position can this responsibility be transferred to another employee? can modifications to telephone equipment help? Qualified Individual Is: “one who, with or without reasonable accommodation, is able to perform the essential functions of the employment position held or desired.” Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable Accommodation Definition Includes making existing workplace accessible job restructuring acquisition of equipment modification of equipment Equipment Includes telecommunication devices assistive listening devices Reasonable Accommodation: “modifications or adjustments to the job application process and the workplace to allow a disabled person to perform the essential functions of the job.” Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Coping Strategies ADA Coordinator
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Introduce Yourself Find out who in HR can help you before you need help Brainstorm potential settings Mandatory trainings Virtual meetings Fire alarms and other emergencies Develop an action plan HR to identify existing solutions You can identify technology options Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Accommodations Company
Telephone Accessories Company Should Provide Phone Flashers Volume Control TTY Meetings and Classes Inductive Loops FM Equipment Infrared Equipment Captioning Accommodations Company Should Arrange Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Coping Strategies Facilities
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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I Never Thought of That... Will You Be Able to Hear: the fire alarm
a page over the PA system a plant closing over the radio a speaker at a security gate intercom a warning signal (ex. truck backing up) the mandatory ethics video Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
The Unexpected Talk to Your ADA Coordinator bring up issues when you think of them offer solutions or resources to find them Offer Alternatives for Short Term transcript of mandatory training video person responsible for notifying you until visual fire alarm installed Reward Good Behavior “I noticed that video was captioned” “I saw the note about special needs on the class announcement” award or citation for “model behavior” Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Coping Strategies Technology
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Hearing Aid Accessories
FM coupled with hearing aid Phonak Microlink Phonic Ear Lexis Directional Microphones Link-It D-Hear Microlink: Lexis: Link-It: D-Hear: www-isl.stanford.edu/~widrow Price: $1,000-2,000 Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Personal Amplifier Description Handheld directional microphone Connect with earpiece or loop Advantages Portable Easy solution Can be quickly moved to another speaker Disadvantages Close to speaker Can’t be shy Price: $ Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
FM Equipment Description Use FM radio signals Microphone near speaker Wireless receiver (earpiece or loop) Advantages Distance from speaker Direct link to speaker Can use outside Portable Disadvantages Can only hear speaker Must arrange for speaker to wear Cannot use in closed setting Price: $ Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
IR Equipment Description Use infrared light signals Microphone near speaker, connected to IR transmitter Wireless receiver (earpiece or loop) Advantages Line of sight Cannot bleed into next room Can use in “closed” setting Distance from speaker Disadvantages More setup than FM Cannot use outside Interference when light blocked Price: Personal: $200 System: $1,000 Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Inductive Loops Description Magnetic field established to transmit signal Receive with T-switch on hearing aid Personal loops now available Advantages Convenient for hearing aid user No need to self-identify After initial setup, easy to use Disadvantages Must be installed or set up For permanent or portable loop, must conceal loop Install in ceiling Tape down loop on floor Price: Personal: $300 Room: $1,000 Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Interpreters/Captioning
Description Specialist trained to translate spoken English Real-time translation in sign or text Advantages No hearing required Can handle multiple speakers No individual receivers required Disadvantages Have to arrange in advance Human -- breaks needed Recurring cost Need clearance for classified setting Price: $50-150/hour Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Remote Options Growing
Relay Telephone calls with single speaker Typist at 50 wpm (speakers talk over 200 wpm) Wait for operator to be available Video Relay Service Video for sign instead of text Cannot arrange in advance CapTel Revoicing instead of typing Text with less delay Remote Captioning/Interpreting Arrange in advance Pay for service (same as captioner/interpreter) Good accommodation for virtual meetings Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Technology Options Price Personal 1-time Cost Prior Setup User Can Be Anon Closed Setting Hearing Aid Accessories $1, ,000 X Personal Amplifier $ FM $ Coordinate w/ speaker IR P: $200 R: 1,000 (X) Set up transmitter Loop P: $300 R: $1,000 Yes Interpreter/ Captioning $50-150/ hour If cleared Remote Sign/Caption Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
Summary Don’t try to hide your hearing loss Initiate discussions Meeting a person New situation Offer strategies You have the best ideas Be firm about your communication Creativity is a tool Offer alternatives Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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Become a Valuable Employee!
Submitted by Beth Wilson, RI SHHH
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