According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, the number of people with hearing loss is expected to double by 2050. This growing problem is driving the need for new technologies to help people with hearing loss to communicate, live, and work. A new online program called the Industry-Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology (ICAAT) has been created to address this need. ICAAT was developed by Gallaudet University, American Institutes for Research (AIR), and the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) to provide an easy, structured way for industry and consumers to connect and work together to create better technology.
For the first time, industry representatives can enlist consumers with hearing loss in product research and testing and talk directly with them to learn more about their accessibility needs. Consumers can also engage in discussion groups and share user experiences. ICAAT comes at a key time when technological advances have the potential to enable more and better access for all, including people with hearing loss. Automatic speech recognition for captioning has become mainstream, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available for purchase directly by consumers, and new wireless connectivity options for audio streaming are on the horizon.
ICAAT aims to bring both consumers and industry representatives together to enhance innovation and change the lives of millions of people with hearing loss. It was developed through a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. Dr. Christian Vogler, director of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (DHH Technology RERC) at Gallaudet University, says, “Our vision is to make products accessible from the beginning. ICAAT helps industry achieve this via collaborating directly with consumers.”
According to Barbara Kelley, executive director of HLAA, “Technology can help people with hearing loss stay engaged and connected on the job, with their families, and in life.” Kathleen Murphy, managing researcher at American Institutes for Research, also highlights the potential for technology to support people with hearing loss and increase accessibility. She believes that ICAAT provides a great opportunity to support dialogue between consumers and industry representatives and to help individuals with hearing loss stay connected.
ICAAT provides an opportunity for industry and consumers to work together and inspire better technology. The online program is expected to enhance innovation and change the lives of millions of people with hearing loss.
ABOUT HLAA
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is the leading voice of the growing number of people with hearing loss in the U.S. We advocate to increase access to care and treatment, break down stigmas through education and awareness, and empower people with hearing loss through a nationwide network of support. Our work impacts millions, improving the lives of people with hearing loss, and elevating the importance of hearing health and accessible communication, through national legislation and public policy, and a network of chapters and state organizations. Our Walk4Hearing events raise awareness and funds in cities across the country and bring hope to individuals and families dealing with hearing loss. Visit hearingloss.org for more information.
ABOUT AIR
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, the American Institutes for Research® (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services and international development to create a better, more equitable world. The AIR family of organizations now includes IMPAQ, Maher & Maher and Kimetrica. For more information, visit AIR.ORG.
ABOUT GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY
Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf, hard of hearing and Deafblind individuals through American Sign Language and English. The university enrolls greater than 1,600 students in more than 40 undergraduate majors and many masters and doctoral programs. It also conducts research in various fields, including accessible technology, Deaf history and culture, Black Deaf history and culture, brain imaging, educational neuroscience, education, linguistics and psychology. For more information, visit gallaudet.edu.
Source: ICAAT
