Information | Assistive Technology

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There are three kinds of equipment which will help make your site accessible.

1. Amplification: There are general public address systems which will amplify sound coming from a speaker. These are essential in large rooms, and are helpful to many hard-of-hearing people.
   
   
   
2. Assistive Listening Devices: These are systems which make it easier for hard-of-hearing people to hear and understand spoken communication. Typically they include a microphone and some receivers, which can be provided for hard-of-hearing participants.
   
   For one-on-one communication, a personal listening device such as a Williams Sound Pocket Talker is very effective. It costs about $150. Less expensive devices are available through electronics stores, but they tend to have lower sound quality.
   
   For group listening systems, there are many choices, so it is best to engage a consultant to help choose the system best suited to a particular environment.
   
   An individual attending any public group event (theater, movie, lecture) has a right to use an assistive listening device. It is best to request one in advance of the event.
   
   
   
3. Acoustic enhancement: Sometimes simple modifications—such as placing material over hard surfaces—can make the acoustics better for people who are hard-of-hearing. A consultant can make recommendations for your site.