Effective Communication in Medical Settings
This is a video series about effective communication and the rights of deaf and/or hard of hearing individuals in hospital settings. We hope the information in this series will help you better understand your rights and ability to advocate for effective communication in these settings. If you have questions relating to your specific situation, please contact us using the Get Help page of our website.
Part 1
This video will provide a general overview of the various laws that address communication access for patients and companions who are Deaf and/or hard or hearing in a hospital setting.
Part 2
This video will provide information about your rights and how to advocate for yourself during an emergency hospital visit.
Part 3
This video will provide information about your rights and how to advocate for yourself during a routine, pre-scheduled doctors visit.
Part 4
This video will provide information about your rights and how to advocate for yourself when VRI is being offered and used by the medical provider.
Additional Resources
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
NAD has resources on its website about effective communication. A helpful NAD’s resource are its “Advocacy Letters.” These letters cover a number of different topics, such as healthcare. You can use these letters to help you advocate for effective communication. View the letter for healthcare providers.
The United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division (DOJ)
The DOJ has a number of publications about effective communication on its website, including “ADA Requirements: Effective Communication”.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The OCR has information on communicating effectively with individuals who are deaf. This discusses applicable federal laws as well as effective communication.