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Staff Access
Services for Specific Populations
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- MGH Resources
- For more information about the resources below and other resources available at MGH:
- For Deaf People:
- ASL Interpreters- MGH has a full-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and on-call ASL interpreters available 24/7 who can get to the hospital within an hour (contact Interpreter Services Department at 617-726-6966 during business hours, or page #30007 nights, weekends and holidays).
- CART (Communication Access Real-time Translation) Services: Professional captioners type the clinician’s words into text, which is simultaneously displayed on a computer screen. Deaf patients who do not use American Sign Language and speak for themselves can access CART services
- Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) - face to face interpretation is always preferable. In emergencies, or while waiting for the ASL interpreter, there is a VRI device in the ED and a couple available for loan through interpreter services. VRI will not be appropriate in all situations (e.g., if the patient can’t sit up to see the screen or is not fluent in ASL). Use of VRI should be subject to patient preference and consent. Some limitations of VRI devices include that they are prone to flickering or freezing and can be hard to see or attend to in a busy environment such as the ED. Our ASL interpreter recommends use of the VRI for urgent communication while waiting for the interpreter to arrive but strongly suggests that staff request an interpreter as soon as possible.
- Communication in Writing/Writing Notes - English is a second language for culturally Deaf people, who have variying levels of fluence; writing notes is asking them to converse in their second language. As with VRI it is appropriate only for urgent situations and while waiting for the ASL interpreter to arrive.
- For Inpatients with Some Hearing Loss
- Pocket Amplification Devices - MGH loans pocket-size hearing amplifiers to MGH inpatients at no cost to the patient. The device is similar in size and appearance to an old-style "walkman" with a single earbud. The speaker speaks into a small microphone at the top of the device.
Staff can arrange for a patient to borrow one by calling
Materials Management (x6-8200). You'll be asked to provide the patient's name, MRN, and room number for tracking purposes.
- Related articles:
- Mass. Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
--Includes information on services, deaf culture, and regulations.
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The Savvy Consumer's Guide to Hearing Loss This book, written by Karen Rockow, Ph.D, remains one of our most requested
publications. It is filled with invaluable information for all those who find
themselves in the difficult transition from being "hearing" to becoming Deaf or Severely Hard of Hearing.
- DEAF Inc. -multi-service, community based, agency run by and for people who are Deaf,
DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing or Late-Deafened.
- The Independent Living Program is a service that provides information and referrals for advocacy, skills training, peer counseling, and technical assistance.
- Guidance in obtaining federal dollars to purchase Assistive Technology is the mission of the Title 7, Part B Program.
- Deaf Health offers health support services including prevention and education, case management and peer support to the Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and Late-Deafened Communities.
- ASL Education offers ASL instruction to adults who are interested in learning the language and about Deaf culture.
- DBCAN program works to empower DeafBlind people to increase and sustain their independence in the community.
- Hearing Aid Resources
- Special Education Programs in Massachusetts
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