American Sign Language Video and DeafHOH Outreach

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American Sign Language Video and Deaf/HOH Outreach

• Jennifer Scheffler
• Make Medicare Work Project Coordinator
• Progress Center for Independent Living
• V/VP708.689.1380 TTY 708-209-1826
• Jscheffler_at_progresscil.org

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Deaf Work Group Purpose

• Make Medicare Work Coalition (MMW) has formed a
  Work Advisory Group for people who are Deaf/HOH
  to incorporate input from Medicare consumers and
  local residents
• We want to continue to define an area of special
  emphasizes for persons with hearing loss the
  Deaf work group focuses on the Deaf community
  that is underserved

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Participants

• Deaf professionals and consumers who brainstorm
  together with all of their variety of experiences
  in the Deaf/HOH community
• Figuring out what works and what doesnt work
• Consists of Deaf/HOH people employed in a variety
  of fields including education, law, medicine,
  social service, advocacy, and religion.

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Main Idea American Sign Language Video

• DeafMD is an innovative website providing
  accurate, concise, and valuable health
  information in American Sign Language to the Deaf
  Hard of Hearing population. Different
  organizations come from healthcare providers,
  linguists, and educators to translate this
  complex information into ASL.

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DeafMD

• Simplifies complex language
• Video of Medicare/Medicaid
• http//www.deafmd.org/pub/What-is-Medicare-Medica
  id
• Scripts are written in English then translated
  into American Sign Language
• The English language and American Sign Language
  (ASL) are two completely different languages. ASL
  uses less words such as adjectives, nouns and
  verbs
• Six or seven thoughts in a sentence may be
  reduced into one solitary sign

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Translating English to ASL

• For example
• English sentence
• I walked the dog to the store
• ASL sentence
• Dog leash store

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Main Idea American Sign Language Video

• Will cover 4 topics
• Medicare and Medicaid
• The A, B, Cs of Medicare
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Illinois State programs such as Low Income
  Subsidy/Illinois Cares Rx

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Distributing Videos

• Trainer must be present (be sure the videos was
  viewed)
• Provider will need to be there with consumers to
  explain the videos
• Advertise through Deaf Illinois News
• Distribute to other providers that lack resources
  of American Sign Language

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Different Modes of Communication

• Deaf
• Sign
• Speak
• Sign/Speak
• Oral Deaf
• Late Deafened Adults
• Hard-of-Hearing
• - Hearing aids
• Cochlear Implant
• Assistive listening devices

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Working with Older Adults with Age-Related
Hearing Loss

• Older adults with hearing loss may not
  self-identify
• Older adults with hearing loss should be made to
  feel welcomed and invited to request
  accommodation
• Notice needs to be prominently placed advising
  any individual needing accommodation on how to do
  so
• Individuals requesting accommodation should be
  asked what they require
• If at all possible, the accommodation should be
  made. The Americans with Disability Act requires
  it

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SUGGESTIONS FOR the speaker

• Speak slowly and distinctly. Do NOT over
  exaggerate mouth movements
• Get the persons attention BEFORE speaking to
  them
• Do NOT chew gum, eat, smoke, or cover your mouth
  when speaking
• Do NOT yell. If the listener wears a hearing
  aid, it will only distort your voice
• When speaking, position yourself within 3 feet of
  the listener and face the listener
• Make sure there is adequate lighting in the room

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For the speaker (cont.)

• Do NOT attempt conversations from different rooms
• Eliminate distracting background noise (TV,
  radio, dishwasher, etc.)
• When in public, attempt to sit away from noise
  and sit facing each other
• Rephrase rather than repeat if you are not
  understood. Write down key words if necessary
• Use facial expressions and gestures to get youre
  meaning across
• Avoid dropping your voice at the end of your
  sentences
• Ask the listener what is the best way to
  communicate with him or her

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Deaf/HOH Outreach Summary 2008

• Working to find the groups
• Translating the Medicare complications as simply
  as possible
• Developing team work among different deaf
  providers
• Developing the Deaf Work Group

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Deaf/HOH Deaf Outreach Summary 2009

• Focusing on minority groups and different
  religions
• Distributing the video in American Sign Language
• Provide and continue more one-on-one and small
  interactive workshops than group presentations