Adapting Public Spaces for Hearing-Impaired People

Kim Auclair, APDA's Communications Officer, created the survey, which was completed by 128 people. The results suggest that public places still have a long way to go to meet the specific needs of hearing-impaired people.

Since deafness is an invisible disability, it sometimes leads to misunderstanding. Others may not know how to react or change the way they communicate. Among other things, the survey results highlight situations in which people with hearing loss have had trouble obtaining adequate service in a public place. For example, a doctor refusing to allow a patient to bring their interpreter in the exam room, or a hearing-impaired person being told to try harder to hear their name being called in a waiting room.

There are many ways to help hearing-impaired people understand better. In waiting rooms, for example, a receptionist could be informed of the patient’s hearing loss and go get the person instead of simply shouting their name. Another option could be to display names, numbers or other relevant information on a screen, in addition to saying them over the intercom. This solution could be used not only in waiting rooms, but on public transit, in airports and in train stations as well.

The survey identified public places that, in the experience of the Deaf community itself, are least suited to the needs of the hearing-impaired. At the top of the list of less accessible places are theatres (67.97% of respondents), healthcare facilities (62.5%), movie theatres (54.69%), public transit (53.13%) and restaurants (52.34%).

Public places that are least suited to the needs of the hearing-impaired according to the survey

The survey results also showed that few people with hearing loss share their situation with others in public places, because they feel uncomfortable or unsure how to do so.

For that reason, it’s essential to make those who work with the public aware of the realities of hearing-impaired people. That said, it’s equally important to teach hearing-impaired people themselves how to express their needs and limitations.

To find accessible places for hearing-impaired people or to read the comments and recommendations of other users on the accessibility of different public places in Quebec, visit the Où sortir sans limites? project website (available in French only) at www.ousortirsanslimites.com.