CHHA - Manitoba

Introduction

Introduction: Access means different things to different people.  To provide access for wheelchair users, installing ramps and automated doors into buildings are first steps in ensuring their right of entry.  For hard of hearing people, access is different - and the need is sometimes not immediately evident.  What it comes down to is ensuring that hard of hearing people can communicate and actively participate in social, family, educational, service, and business settings. 

A booklet published by CHHA National - Working with Hearing Loss - A Guide for Employees, Employers and Entrepreneurs, is an excellent resource and is available in both English and French.  It can be downloaded in pdf format for free from the CHHA National website.  The hard-copy version can be ordered by contacting the CHHA National office toll-free at 800-263-8068, TTY 613-526-2692 or email chhanational@chha.ca.  Another useful guide published by CHHA National - Universal Design and Barrier-Free Access, Guidelines for Persons with Hearing Loss is also available by using the link to the CHHA National web site noted above.

CHHA Manitoba Chapter works with educators, employers, government and others to help ensure that hard of hearing Manitobans have access to the services and information they need. This section of our web site includes information about assistive listening devices, how they work and their availability in various venues.  Also included are selected articles on accessibility policies. (back to top of page)

Assistive listening devices (ALD's) and other technologies can help hard of hearing people hear better both at home (television and radio; family and friends) and in public venues such as theatres, meeting rooms and places of worship. There are many different systems and services available. Depending on the type of hearing loss and hearing aids used, some equipment may be more or less suitable than others. As well, the availability of email and developments in cell phone technology provide additional options for hard of hearing people. (back to top of page)

Click any of the ALDs or other technologies and services listed below to read a brief description:

FM Systems

Rear Window Captioning (RWC)

Infrared System

Open Captioning (OC)

Closed Captioning (CC)

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)

Teletypewriters (TTYS)

Loop System

Email technology

Cell phone technology

Pocket Talker

FM Systems: An FM system consists of a receiver and a separate microphone. The listener (hard of hearing person) wears the receiver, and the microphone is directed at or worn by the speaker. FM systems help overcome the challenge of background noise, echoing environments, and distance from the speaker, problems that can arise in both small and large group settings. FM systems are helpful in meetings, classes and conferences. By focusing the microphone on the speaker the hard of hearing person is better able to hear a specific voice, as background noise is eliminated or greatly reduced.

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Rear Window Captioning (RWC): This device consists of a reflective plastic panel mounted on a flexible stem that is placed in the cupholder in movie theatres. The device allows the hard of hearing and deaf viewer to read the transcript of the voices through the window. It is sometimes necessary to sit in a certain area of the theatre to get the best angle for viewing the text. Other patrons do not see the captions. You will need to call the movie theatre to find out if the movie you want to see will be captioned.

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Infrared System: Instead of using sound frequencies, infrared technology uses invisible light energy called the infrared light spectrum to deliver sound from a transmitter to the hard of hearing or deafened person. The hard of hearing person wears a special receiver or headset which works in conjunction with a loop or a T-switch in his/her hearing aid. The infrared signal will not transmit to the listener through walls or when the signal is interrupted by a moving object or person. Infarered systems are suitable for listening in both large and small groups, while watching TV, listening to the radio, in meetings or other public venues.  Both FM and infrared systems are available as personal listening devices or may be provided in public venues such as meeting rooms, lecture halls, places of worship, or theatres.

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Open Captioning (OC): Open captioning is a viewing system that allows movie goers to read the text of the movie while they are viewing the action. It is visible to all viewers. This system is not used frequently, as it is too noticeable and can be intrusive to hearing viewers. It is currently not available in Manitoba for general movie viewing, however it is used for foreign films in some theatres when the voice is translated to English for all viewers.

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Closed Captioning (CC): Closed captioning is provided for many television programs and is also available on many videos (be sure to check the video cover for available options). The television set must have closed captioning capability, and the closed caption option on the television set must be selected - it does not automatically appear on the screen.

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Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART): This system is often used for meetings and lectures attended by hard of hearing participants. A specially trained stenographer uses equipment similar to a court-reporter's device. The stenographer types in everything that is said, and the words are immediately projected onto a large screen so that meeting participants can follow everything that is said. (back to ALD list)

Teletypewriters (TTYs) are telephone/machines that look like a small electronic typewriter with an LED screen readout. The equipment is connected to the telephone system through a standard telephone jack, and must also be plugged into an electrical outlet to operate the LED readout. TTYs can be used by hard of hearing or deafened people to communicate directly with each other by typing if both parties have the equipment. As well, Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) operates the Manitoba Relay Service (MRS), to enable communication between the hearing world and hard of hearing or deafened people through specially trained operators. The service enables a hard of hearing or deaf person to read verbal messages, as the MTS operator types the speaker's words into the system for display on the receiving TTY screen. The MRS system includes Voice Carry Over (VCO) service, which allows the TTY user to reply by speaking into the telephone (the other party hears the voice directly), or by typing a reply, which the operator then reads to the other party.(back to ALD list)

Loop System - a cost effective assistive listening device that works together with a hearing aid to assist hard of hearing people to hear better. The loop system requires the listener to have hearing aids equipped with a telecoil or T-switch. Permanent loop systems can be installed in homes, offices, churches and public venues. Once installed, the system allows the user to improve their listening experience by adjusting their hearing aid to the T-switch setting. (back to ALD list)

Email Technology has increased access and independence for hard of hearing people in contacting friends, family and business associates. Many E-courses are offered online, virtually leveling the playing field for hard of hearing people who want to participate in professional development and personal growth programs. It is a valuable tool for gaining immediate and inexpensive access to people and information. (back to ALD list)

Cell Phone Technology, once difficult to use for people wearing hearing aids, has now improved and is more compatible for use by the hard of hearing. The optional vibration signal instead of an auditory signal allows the hard of hearing person to know when they are receiving a call. Most newer cell phones are also compatible with T-coil in the hearing aid. Another option with cell phone technology is the ability to send and receive text message. The same signal that indicates an incoming voice-call also alerts users to incoming text messages. A full keyboard on some cell phones increases the ease of typing for those unaccustomed to using the telephone dial-pad for creating text messages. (back to ALD list)

Pocket Talker is a portable personal communications device that improves the listening experience for a hard of hearing person who does not wear a hearing aid. The speaker talks into a hand-held or lapel microphone, and the sound is transmited directly to a headset worn by the hard of hearing person, thereby eliminating a significant amount of background noise. The system requires close proximity of the speaker to the listener. (back to ALD list)

ALDs in Manitoba Entertainment Venues

CHHA Manitoba is working with entertainment venues in Manitoba to ensure that Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are available to their patrons. Below is a partial listing of locations that provide these services, along with details about the equipment that is available and how to access it.

We will update these listings periodically, and would appreciate feedback on your experiences in obtaining and using this equipment, as well as information about locations that should be added our listing. Please phone us at 204-975-3037, or email us at admin@chha-mb.ca with your input.

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Tips on Dining Out

You've been invited for dinner at a restaurant and you're worried you won't be able to hear anything.  In fact, you're so worried that you're in a complete dither and thinking about cancelling.  Last time you dined out was a disaster - you felt like a fool because you had to ask for things to be repeated, the waiter treated you like an imbecile, your friends were frustrated because you couldn't understand what they were saying.  And that was just the first ten minutes of your evening out and you hadn't even eaten anything yet!

But wait - don't cancel.  There are things you can do to help improve your experience this time.

Most important is understanding your own hearing needs, and ensuring that your friends realize the challenges you face.  You need to talk to them ahead of time so they are prepared to help.  If they have chosen a place that's particularly noisy and you know you won't be able to hear, you could ask them to consider another location.  If this isn't possible and you still want to go, be practical - take along a pad and pencil so people can write down anything that you're unable to pick up through your hearing aid, ALD or speechreading.  You'll be impressed at how willing most people can be to help if they understand you needs.  But you also need to realize that there will always be some people who just don't get it, and there's nothing you can do to change them.  If you accept the fact that you may miss some of the conversation, then you'll be more relaxed and enjoy the parts that you do get.

If possible, check out the location ahead of time and reserve a table that allows you the best hearing environment available - for example, not near noisy high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, front entrance or cash-register.  It's also helpful to be in a well lighted area so that you can speech-read - remember, if the light is behind the person you are talking to, their face is in shadow and harder to see. 

If you visit the restaurant before your dinner-event, ask for a copy of the menu so you can decide what to order ahead of time.  This is an excellent way to avoid a stressful situation on the actual day.  Many establishments provide their menus on-line as well, and may even show the layout of the dining area so that you can choose an optimum location without making a personal visit. 

Check with the restaurant ahead of time to find out if they are expecting any large parties on the day of your visit.  This gives you an opportunity to request a table as far away from the large (and probably noisy) group as possible, or to consider a different day for your own event.

Be up-front about your needs - tell the server that you are hard of hearing and ask him or her to speak slowly and clearly.  If it's any consolation, a lot of people with excellent hearing also find it difficult to understand servers who mindlessly rattle off their list of daily specials!  You may wish to show the server a "CommuniCard" or similar list that provides the basics for communicating with a hard of hearing person.  This is a way of validating your hearing needs without implying that you are criticizing the server.

Here's a check-list of things to consider when planning to dine out:

Remember, everyone's needs are different - a person who has lost virtually all hearing may not mind being in a noisy busy place, where another person with a mild loss or someone who uses hearing aids may find superfluous noise to be highly irksome.  Learning what works for you, and educating your friends and family about your needs will go a long way to improve your social experiences.  Bon appetit!

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ALDs in Places of Worship

CHHA Manitoba Chapter is working to gather information on places of worship that provide assistive listening devices. Following is a listing of United Churches that have these devices available. As details about their availability in other places of worship become available we'll update our listings.

Please help us present more information by telling us about ALD systems available at your place of worship - email us at admin@chha-mb.ca or phone 204-975-3037. Your assistance is much appreciated!

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Articles about access and assistive listening technology

CRTC requires access improvements to phone, cellular and TV services.  The Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission has set new standards in the coming months. 

Included in the new requirements are improvements to captioning services for television programs and  provision of text-to voice and voice-to-text over the Internet.  To read the July 21, 2009 story on CBC's web site, click this link.

Assistive Listening Devices to the Rescue! A Primer to Help You Get Started 

(The Center for Hearing Loss Help (http://www.hearinglosshelp.com/) is directed by Neil Bauman, Ph.D., and is run by and for hard of hearing people.  The introduction to the following article is published with Dr. Bauman's permission.)

© February 2008 by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.

Hard of hearing people often lament, "Hearing aids don't work well for me, particularly in noisy places such as while driving in the car or talking in noisy restaurants." They then ask, "What can I do in order to better hear my spouse and friends under such conditions? Being unable to communicate freely is putting a strain on my marriage and my friendships."

Unfortunately, when most people lose some of their hearing, they are told to get hearing aids, as though hearing aids were the whole answer to hearing loss. The result is they become disillusioned with their hearing aids.

You see, hearing aids are not perfect, and in some listening situations such as in noisy places, or when you are at some distance from the speaker, they can be almost useless!

That's where Assistive Listening Devices come in.  To read the rest of this excellent article on assistive devices, click here.

Read On Line: The Canadian Hearing Society Position Paper on Accessibility and Accommodation.  The society is located in Toronto, and has offices throughout Ontario.

White House Sets Agenda for People with Disabilities  "We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination ... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities."  Barack Obama, April 11, 2008.  For President Obama's full position statement on disability issues published on-line January 26, 2009, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/disabilities/ 

Developed by a team of US Advocacy Groups - December 11, 2008 Proposal for Leadership and Public Policy to Ensure Equal Access and Equal Opportunity for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened and Deaf-Blind Americans visit http://www.hearingloss.org/advocacy/pdfs/Obama_Recommendations_DeafandHOH.pdf

Statement on Accessibility from the Hearing Loss Association of America - "Accessibility for people with hearing loss means being able to hear and understand communication and an audio signal in whatever form it takes: face to face - one on one and in groups; over the telephone; public address announcements; recorded sound - TV, radio, movies, internet based; amplified sound - theater, public presentations; alerting and emergency notifications.

"Most people with hearing loss use spoken language, and whatever residual hearing they have with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive technology.  They do not use sign language and therefore sign language interpreters are not appropriate accessibility accommodations for them.  There are laws that require that people with hearing loss have access to public, private, federal, state and local government programs and services and telecommunications services and products.  Examples of ways to provide accessibility for people with hearing loss include: assistive listening device, (FM, Infrared, Audioloop) captioning, CART (computer assisted real time transcription), hearing dogs, communication strategies, visual and tactile alarms, oral interpreters, Cued speech transliteration, volume control phones and telecommunications relay services - particularly captioned telephone."

Additional articles will be published over time - to submit an article or story, email admin@chha-mb.ca.

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