#USA #New York #Deaf Community #Nagish #Assistive Tech

Ongoing Communication Challenges for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

A new survey conducted by Nagish, a leader in AI-powered communication solutions for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, has unveiled significant communication barriers still faced by these individuals in medical, social, and professional environments. The report is based on responses from over 300 individuals within the community, emphasizing the pressing need for improved accessibility and tailored technological solutions.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey outcomes indicate that communication difficulties are not just inconveniences; they substantially impact the lives and professional opportunities of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Highlights from the report include:

• - Employment Impact: A noteworthy percentage of respondents reported that communication barriers influenced their career choices negatively. Specifically, 62% of Deaf participants and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals stated that these barriers limited their job opportunities and hindered professional growth. The necessity to depend on hearing colleagues for effective workplace interactions creates a significant obstacle, hindering full participation in professional settings.

• - Healthcare Challenges: Communication gaps in healthcare settings were alarmingly reported, with 62% of Deaf individuals and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing respondents noting that these issues contributed to misunderstandings and delays in receiving appropriate medical care. Even more concerning, 20% of Deaf individuals and 24.3% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals expressed severe apprehensions about reaching out to healthcare devices or professionals during emergencies due to communication obstacles.

The Role of Assistive Technology

Fortunately, the research points to assistive technologies as a beacon of hope for bridging these communication gaps. Data revealed that before embracing such technology, only 37% of Deaf participants and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing respondents felt capable of managing their daily activities with minimal support. However, with the adoption of assistive technology, these figures surged to 60% for Deaf individuals and 63% for Hard-of-Hearing users, showcasing the potential for enhanced self-sufficiency and independence.

Tomer Aharoni, CEO and co-founder of Nagish, stated: "Our survey highlights that even today, despite the apparent widespread availability of communications solutions, there is still an enormous amount of work that needs to be done to bridge these gaps." He emphasized that the development of these tools is more than just technological advancement; it's about dismantling the barriers that prevent individuals from experiencing full independence and actively participating in everyday activities that are often taken for granted.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

The emotional and psychological burden stemming from communication challenges is another vital aspect covered in the report. A startling 55% of Deaf respondents reported anxiety or frustration when needing help with phone communications, while 83% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals faced similar feelings when trying to engage with family and friends.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Moving forward, the report underscores the critical need for further advancements in assistive technologies that cater specifically to the needs of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. As the landscape evolves, so too must the tools that empower these individuals to navigate their social, medical, and professional lives with confidence.

For more in-depth insights and the full report, visit Nagish's official website. By taking proactive steps today, we can pave the way for a more inclusive future where everyone, regardless of their hearing capabilities, can communicate effectively and access necessary services without barriers.