This article explores how the coronavirus pandemic has undermined equal access to employment and healthcare for Americans who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or DeafBlind as these functions migrate toward telework and telehealth using videoconference platforms. The authors discuss the legal issues as well as remedies for telework and telehealth accessibility. Published in the University of Colorado Law Review
Recommendations for policies and technology to support communication in health care settings. Developed with a consensus by deaf and hard of hearing Consumer Groups, deaf healthcare providers and other subject matter experts.
Guidelines and tips are focused on the needs of deaf and hard of hearing participants in virtual workplace meetings. Many of these also have been tested in cross-disability meetings. Additional scenarios will be covered in future updates. The authors recommend: Keep meetings as small as possible. Have well-defined roles in running the meeting, especially for larger ones (e.g., chair, turn-taking manager, note-taker). Turn-taking management is critical In larger meetings, default to video off except for chairs, interpreters, turn-taking manager, and people who have the floor.
Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind people working remotely during the COVID-19 crisis may encounter significant barriers to communication. This center collaborated with consumer advocacy groups and subject matter experts to provide guidance on making remote workplaces accessible. Guidance: Information for employees (includes an ASL version), Information for employers, and Review of key accessibility features in popular videoconferencing platforms
