Frazier, et al. January 8, 2024. Committee for Communication Access in America. Respondents: 1519 individuals. Findings: Only 38% of respondents found accommodations
The survey’s intent was to gather information on the preferences and use habits when utilizing assistive communication systems.
Background – Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), assistive listening systems (ALS) have been mandated in many public gathering places. Various forms of captions, though not mandated, are requested and sometimes provided.
Purpose – The survey’s intent was to acquire accurate information on the preferences and use habits of hard of hearing people when utilizing assistive communication systems. That information will enable providers of services to people with hearing issues to inform clients of the benefits of the various assistive technologies.
Research Design – The survey was a retrospective cross-sectional study of individuals with hearing loss or an auditory processing disorder. Many questions were cross-tabbed to get an accurate picture of various subgroups.
Study Sample – 1519 individuals with self-reported hearing loss or other hearing related conditions volunteered to participate anonymously in the survey.
Data Collection and Analysis – Data was collected and analyzed by the Frost Center for Data and Social Research at Hope College in Holland, MI using the Qualtrics platform.
Results – If only one technology was to be available, the first choice of respondents was CART or captions, with hearing loops the preferred assistive listening solution. Action by venues to address the various complaints about the assistive communication.
(9 pages, pdf)
