Communication Accessibility

Hearing Accessibility for people with hearing loss can include oral interpreters, sign language interpreters, written or captioned text, **induction 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 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)

A CART provider keys the spoken word into characters on a stenotype machine. Real-time software converts the strokes into text.

The text can be displayed via projector
onto a wall, a screen...

or, to your mobile device.

Tech Tip

Need Captioning On the Spot? Install this App On Your Smartphone!

Captioned Phones

Captioned Phones show written captions of everything the caller says

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

Sony 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)

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

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"

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.