Participants at the Deaf-Focused Hospital event said the deaf and hard of hearing community often feels like a forgotten group when it comes to healthcare. And they say they face frustrating barriers, which is why opportunities like Saturday's simulation training are so important. With the help of Deaf volunteers, UNMC students were able to see first-hand what the experience is like for members of the Deaf community in the medical world. They struggled to communicate when an interpreter was not provided or the virtual interpreter would disconnect or freeze during calls. Appointments can be an unpleasant experience for everyone involved. Event organizers are working to change that. “I hope that we can get over that wall, that communication barrier, and be able to have equal access. To be able to answer the phone, make the call, set up an appointment, and, you know, be able to call in the background. “I can feel in my heart that they understand what I need, and I have an interpreter there,” said the Director of Accessibility and Language for the Deaf Community. Tammy Richardson Nelson said. Participants said this is not just an Omaha issue. Opportunities like the Center for the Deaf are helping spread awareness and break down communication barriers. Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7.
Participants at the Deaf-Focused Hospital event said the deaf and hard of hearing community often feels like a forgotten group when it comes to healthcare.
And they say they face frustrating barriers, which is why opportunities like Saturday's simulation training are so important.
With the help of Deaf volunteers, UNMC students were able to see first-hand what the experience is like for members of the Deaf community in the medical world.
Struggling to communicate when an interpreter is not provided or when the virtual interpreting machine disconnects or freezes during the appointment can be an unpleasant experience for everyone involved.
Event organizers are working to change that.
“I hope that we can overcome that wall, that communication barrier, and be able to have equal access. We want to be able to answer the phone, make the call, set up an appointment, and, you know, be able to call behind the scenes. “I know they understand what I need, and there will be an interpreter there,'' said Tammy Richardson, Director of Accessibility and Language for the Deaf Community. Nelson said.
Participants said this is not just an Omaha issue, but a national issue.
Opportunities like deaf-centered hospitals help spread awareness and break down communication barriers.
Click here for the latest headlines on KETV NewsWatch 7
