LM213 - Accessibility Committee: I Can't Hear You: A Deaf Audiologist's Take on Disability Inclusion

Abstract:
How to incorporate accessibility across all sensory domains (auditory, visual, motor, cognitive, etc.) into an audiology clinical practice (physically, via communication/procedures, etc.) and examples I have done in my own clinic.

Summary:
Considerations for patient accessibility, but also for office staff, students, colleagues, the public, and how to incorporate education/training for clinical staff. Reviewing what the law say about disability inclusion, and what resources are available to use. Discussing how technology has advanced to offer us new tools to use to assist both patients and ourselves. How to train yourself to become more aware of various disabilities, and how to advocate for always designing with accessibility in mind. Will be at a fundamental level as there may not be a great understanding of what ADA and other state laws require. Will give an overview of what the law says, then challenge clinicians to go beyond what's required to advocate for what is equitable. Will poll the audience on what accommodations they currently use in clinic, which resources they were aware of, and provide them with resources both free and not that they can take advantage of.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:The clinical takeaway for this session is to better design our clinics to accommodate both staff and patient populations who may live with disabilities. By practicing disability inclusion, we will help build a community where accessibility barriers no longer disrupt clinical practice for the clinician or the patient.