Transforming Language Access for Deaf Patients in Healthcare

Date & Time

Thursday, March 21, 2024 - 2:20 PM PDT  

Location

Elite 1-3  

Description

Deaf people often depend on sign language interpreters or real-time captioners to facilitate effective communication during healthcare appointments. While they generally prefer in-person services, prior research shows that these accommodations are often unavailable, or they are provided via video remote interpreting (VRI) or remote captioning services due to the limited availability of qualified service providers, quicker turnaround time and cost-effectiveness of these remote options. Typically, VRI involves a tablet mounted on a utility cart, while captions are displayed on handheld tablets. These methods often cause visibility and cognitive challenges for deaf patients, as they need to split their attention between the interpreting or captioning display and the healthcare provider, potentially hindering their understanding of the information discussed during appointments. We explore using augmented reality (AR) smart glasses as an alternative to traditional VRI and remote captioning services to enhance communication access. Certified interpreters and captioners have extensive knowledge regarding various accessibility-related issues experienced by deaf people in medical establishments. We presented our AR smart glasses prototype to healthcare interpreters and captioners. In this session, we will summarize their feedback regarding implementing AR smart glasses to enhance language access services for deaf patients within healthcare contexts.  

Audience

• Information & Communications Technology
• Disability Specific
• Healthcare & Rehabilitation
• Research & Development

Audience Level

Beginning  

Session Summary (Abstract)

We propose an augmented reality smart glasses application as an alternative to VRI and remote captioning services in healthcare settings. This session explores the feedback from interpreters and captioners on implementing this application.  

Primary Topic

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), & Cross/Mixed Reality (XR)  

Secondary Topics

• Augmentative and Alternative Communications (AAC)
• Cognitive & Learning Disabilities
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Healthcare & Rehabilitation

 

Session Type

Journal Track  

Presenter

• Roshan Mathew
  Rochester Institute of Technology

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