HLAA Colorado Springs Chapter
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​Communication​ Accessibility


Technology Beyond ​Hearing Aids

​Colorado Movie Theaters Now Offer Open Caption Movies!   Click here for schedules.

Hearing Accessibility for people with hearing loss can include captioned text, **hearing loop technology, and assistive listening technology devices.
Learn about technology beyond hearing aids that will
​enhance your ability to hear in a variety of challenging listening situations
** To learn more about Hearing Loop technology, click on the page: "Get in the Hearing Loop"

 Smartphone Speech-to-Text Apps 
Some popular apps are listed below.  Some are for Android and/or iPhones; 
Most are free, but some charge a fee

Ava
Otter
Google Live Transcribe
TextHear

CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation

CART is ​the verbatim, near instantaneous conversion of spoken language into text. ​

CART captioning can be provided
  • On-site
  • Remotely via microphone
  • Streaming Text (to your mobile device)
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​A CART provider keys the spoken word into characters on a stenotype machine.  Real-time software converts the strokes into text.  

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The text is displayed via projector
​onto a wall or a screen...
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​ 
​or, to your mobile device.


Captioned Phones

Captioned Phones show written captions of everything the caller says
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​The written text appears in a built-in display screen.  Captioned phones and service are provided at no cost.

Captioning can be provided on landlines through Telephone  Relay Service (TRS). Or, if you have internet service, you can  even keep the same phone number  you already have.  Click on one of the vendors below for more information.

T-Coils

If you have a tele-coil (t-coil) in your hearing  aid or cochlear implant, you can take advantage of its direct-audio-input feature to hear on a landline or cell phone, while cancelling out the background noise.



Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)

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ALD
An ALD increases the loudness of a desired sound (e.g., a radio or television, a public speaker, an actor, someone talking in a noisy place) without increasing the loudness of the background noises. 

Sophisticated systems are used in theaters and auditoriums.  Scroll down for a list of  venues with ALD systems. 

Personal ALDs can be purchased (scroll down for the ADCO catalog).

For more information on Hearing Assistive Technology, click here.  To learn more about each specific technology, click on each video topic below - the series is captioned.   
  • Assistive Listening Technology
  • Large-Area Assistive Listening Systems
  • Assistive Listening Devices for the Phone
  • Alert Systems for People with Hearing Loss
  • Captions for People with Hearing Loss
  • Assistive Listening Solutions for Work

​Smartphones and Hearing Loss

Some smartphones have built-in technology and that helps you hear in one-on-one situations.  Check for these features for you specific phone.
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And, when shopping for a cell phone, be sure you get a phone rating of  M3/T3, or M4/T4, which will ensure hearing aid compatibility without interference.   
 You can also receive free real-time captioning on your cell phone with the free App from InnoCaption - Read more, and watch this video 

Voice-to-Text voicemail is available on some cell phone providers (check with your provider).  
CapTel® Captioned Telephone
CaptionCall®
​The telecoil can make a noticeable difference in your life when combined with hearing assistive technology.  This pairing of technology bridges the space between you and the sound source while most of the background noise is eliminated.
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The t-coil in a hearing aid
​Be sure to ask that a telecoil be included when you buy a hearing aid.   A t-coil will expand the functionality of your hearing aid or cochlear implant.
​

Have you ever had difficulty hearing or understanding:
  • in meetings?
  • in places of worship?
  • in theaters or movies?
  • in restaurants?
  • with shopping transactions like at a pharmacy or bank?
  • in public places such as airports or in municipal buildings?
​
In those situations, an assistive listening device can help.  Hearing aids provide all-purpose amplification, but, oftentimes an assistive listening device (ALD) can enhance the listening experience in a challenging listening event.  

Captioned ALDs

Movie theaters Devices 
PictureSony Caption Glasses and.ALD Combo

​Sony captioned glasses are worn just like regular glasses, and the captions are displayed on the lenses (these can  be worn over your own)

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​Captiview
devices fit into your seat cup, and captions are shown on its screen

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The following venues in Colorado Springs have ALDs
be sure to ask for one

Broadmoor World Arena

Garden of the Gods Country Club Health and Wellness Center

Hotels Offer Room Accessibility Kits (i.e., for phone, alarm clock, TTY)

Pikes Peak Center


​Simpich Theater

Ent Community Room at the Woodmen Campus

Ent Center for the Performing Arts at UCCS

​Most Churches

​Most Movie Theaters


​Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) to Expand Communication Accessibility and is working to meet all ADA requirements.  PPLD is preparing to offer CART (live captioning) services at any presentation (if requested).  


Colorado College has many events that are open to the public.  
​​Armstrong Hall, Max Kade Theatre
​Armstrong Hall, Kathryn MohrmanTheatre
Value
Schlessman Natatorium
​Shove Chapel
​Slocum Commons
​Taylor Theatre
​Tutt Science Center, Kresge Hall
Washburn Field
​Worner Center, Gaylord Hall
Warner Center, WES Room
​Honnen Ice Rink
​McHugh Commons
​​Olin I
Packard Hall, Auditorium
Palmer Hall, Gates Commons​
Value
​El Pomar Sports Center, Reid Gym
​Cossitt Hall, Gym

For information on Hearing Loop Technololgy, and for a listing of venues that have professionally-installed loops, click on the tab, "Get in the Hearing Loop"
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Click on Adco to see what's available for people with hearing loss

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is about enabling people with disabilities to take charge of their lives and join the American mainstream by facilitating public access,  accommodations, and the use of communications systems.  The ADA upholds the principle that each individual has the potential, and deserves the right to participate in, and contribute to, society.

Legislation has been passed to enhance accessibility to public places, work places, schools, government and businesses for people with hearing loss.

HLAA, together with other consumer and professional organizations, works not only to pass legislation to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss but also to push for implementation and strong enforcement of the laws.  


​Rocky Mountain ADA Center (ADA-Americans with Disability Act) Rights of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People to Accessible Communication. Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives rights of equal access to places of public accommodation. For deaf and hard of hearing people, Title III requires businesses and agencies to remove barriers to communication.
Hearing Loss Association of America ​Colorado Springs Chapter (HLAA-CS)
P.O. Box 25954
Colorado Springs, CO  80936
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