Assistive Devices Center
Housed within the Mary Thornberry Building, the Assistive Devices Center (ADC) is an
important component of the Department of Hearing Speech and Language Sciences (HSLS).
The ADC provides a central location where deaf and hard of hearing people, their families,
and professionals can examine and learn about assistive technology designed to enhance
receptive communication. These special products make life easier and more enjoyable for
deaf and hard of hearing people and allow them to function independently.
About the Assistive Devices Center
The Gallaudet Assistive Devices Center (ADC) was established in 1984 and endowed in 1989
with one objective: to educate the nation's deaf and hard of hearing people--and the
professionals who interact with them--about the role receptive communication technology
and training plays in providing access and independence in the workplace and in other life
situations. To accomplish this charge, the Center's activities include (1) training, (2) clinical
services, and (3) outreach. Assistive technology includes visual, vibrotactile and auditory
technologies designed to enhance face-to-face receptive communication, the reception of
electronic media (radio, television, computer, music players, etc.), telephone
communication, and the awareness of important environmental events. These technologies
are used in the workplace, at home, and while traveling or recreating. They include
hardwired and wireless signal-to-noise enhancement technologies, computer assisted note
taking, real time captioning, telephone amplifiers and interfaces, pagers, computer software
and hardware, and various visual, vibrotactile and enhanced auditory signaling systems to
facilitate awareness of various everyday sounds such as the alarm clock, smoke alarm,
pagers, appliances, computer prompts, etc.
For a tutorial on assistive devices, go to this link:
http://www.betterhearing.org/hearing_solutions/listeningDevices.cfm
I. Training
Knowledge of the role of assistive technology in providing communication access has
become an important focus of the fields of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
Coursework and experience in assistive devices, coupled with other graduate level
coursework, provides our graduates with the background necessary to provide the most
comprehensive communication enhancement services for their clients.
In addition Gallaudet deaf and hard of hearing undergraduate and graduate students also
receive training in assistive technology that provides them with the ability to function more
independently in their chosen careers.
Finally, deaf and hard of hearing graduate students majoring in Psychology, Social Work,
Deaf Education, and Counseling also take coursework in audiology and assistive technology
to equip them with the skills needed to teach others about receptive communication access.
II. Outreach Services
Outreach services are provided to deaf and hard of hearing consumers, employers,
managers of public accommodations and government agencies, private corporations, and
others. These services include publications, workshops, presentations, committee work, and
consulting. The Center's outreach efforts have made Gallaudet a household name in the
area of assistive technology--at the local, national and international level.
III. Clinical Services and Needs Assessment
Formal audiological diagnostics and communications needs assessments are provided to the
Gallaudet Community as well as to consumers in the DC metropolitan area for the purpose
of determining which technology is appropriate for an individual's unique communication
needs in the workplace and in other situations. The ADC has contracted with other
universities, clinics, hospitals, and agencies that refer clients for assistive technology
evaluations, fittings and on-going training. Examples of referrals include: The National
Rehabilitation Hospital, Georgetown University, GW University, University of Maryland,
Johns Hopkins, Washington Hospital Center, Veterans Administration Hospital, National
Association of the Deaf, SHHH, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Entrepreneurs Council
(DHHEC), DC, Maryland, and Virginia Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and others.
Assistive devices evaluations are also offered as part of the Audiology Clinic’s services.
During these evaluations, clinicians assess an individual's communicative needs,
demonstrate equipment, and make recommendations for purchase. Follow-up counseling
ensures client satisfaction.
Choosing a listening system requires a review of all the features of each particular system
as well as a consideration of your hearing problem. A hearing test and hearing aid
evaluation are necessary to determine if you need a hearing aid and to ensure that it
contains the electrical features necessary for use with assistive listening devices. The
audiologists at Gallaudet have been specially trained to provide these services.
If you think you might benefit from assistive technology, contact our Audiology Clinic for an
appointment:
Shari' Parks
Clinic Office Manager
Hearing & Speech Center
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 651-5328 V/TTY
(202) 651-7328 VP (via Sorenson network)
IP address for calling outside of Sorenson VP: 134 231 26 221.
(202) 651-5324 Fax
Email: shari.parks@gallaudet.edu