American School for the Deaf Announces New Healthcare Training Video

The American School for the Deaf (ASD), in partnership with the Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), has announced the release of a training video to raise awareness and improve communication access for deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind patients across the state.  ASD and CHA issued a joint press release to local media outlets on Wednesday, September 18.

The approximately five-minute video is the next installment to ASD’s Lost in Translation campaign, an initiative designed to create more awareness and understanding of the disparity in communication access for deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind communities, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education.  In addition to an overview of available accommodations to meet the needs and preferences of patients who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind, the training video also addresses the importance of communicating directly with deaf patients and taking time to learn and implement the approach that works best for them.  Hospitals and health systems are encouraged to share the video with staff and consider adding it to their existing staff training regimen.

Funded through a grant from the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services, the Lost in Translation campaign was initially launched in January 2024 with marketing materials that were shared with media outlets and those in healthcare and education.  Additionally, ASD conducted a hospital interpreting pilot with several hospitals from March through May and distributed clear medical masks to many facilities across the state.

“For several years, CHA has been working closely with the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind community, as well as other stakeholders, to gain more insight into the challenges these individuals face not only in accessing healthcare but also in accessing other services throughout the state,” said Marielle Daniels, Director, Regulatory Advocacy, CHA.  “We are excited to share this video as part of ongoing efforts across Connecticut to raise awareness for healthcare staff on how to improve communication access for these individuals when seeking care.  We also look forward to the state’s efforts to advance this work, such as through the establishment of a Bureau Coordinating Services For Deaf, Hard Of Hearing Or Deafblind Persons, as passed by the General Assembly this year and signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont.  The work continues in many ways across the state to ensure equity and remove barriers.”

Click here to read the press release.

Click here to view and download the video.

Click here to view and download the marketing materials.