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  • 1.  Hearing accessibility systems

    Posted 11-30-2016 04:34 PM

    I am interested in exploring systems to provide assistance to public programs audience members who are hard of hearing. Most of our patrons who ask have age-related hearing loss, and would not be helped by sign language interpreters. They need either audio-boosting headphones or some kind of closed captioning. I would appreciate hearing about others' experiences.




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    Karen Christianson, PhD
    Director of Public Engagement
     (312) 255-3539
    Newberry Library
    60 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610-7324
     
    twitter: KACNewberry
    christiansonk@newberry.org
    www.newberry.org

    The Newberry, an independent research library open to the public without charge since 1887, serves thousands of readers each year.
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  • 2.  RE: Hearing accessibility systems

    Posted 12-01-2016 06:06 AM

    We have been using the Acoustiguide system to assist our visitors and have received great feedback. This headphone/receiver combo is compatible with hearing aides as well.

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    Maura Nelson Clifford
    Program Specialist
    United States Botanic Garden
    Washington, DC



  • 3.  RE: Hearing accessibility systems

    Posted 12-01-2016 09:42 AM

    Great to see that you are responding to the needs of your audiences.  You might want to check out Sound Associates Inc (soundassociates.com) - they provide consultation and sales of equipment that includes personal amplification systems.  Captioning services should also be available in your area or remotely, via organizations such as https://dhcc.org/interpreting-services/cart/.  I suggest you also get in touch with your local Museum Access Consortium and your state department of disability services for recommendations on providers.

    Claudia

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    Claudia Ocello
    President & CEO
    Museum Partners Consulting, LLC
    Maplewood NJ