Accessible vaccine clinic opens appointments for deaf, hard of hearing community in Grand Rapids
Updated May 06, 2021;
Posted May 06, 2021
Grand Rapids deaf, deaf/blind and hard of hearing community will be able to attend an accessibility-first COVID-19 vaccine clinic starting May 10. (MLive file photo)Joel Bissell | MLive.com
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KENTWOOD, MI Grand Rapids Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is increasing vaccine accessibility to the area’s deaf, deaf/blind and hard of hearing communities.
The organization is working with the Kent County Health Department for two COVID-19 vaccination clinics tailored toward breaking down barriers tied to mainstream clinics.
The clinics will feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and accommodations like Pocket Talkers to ease communication between guests and vaccine administers, said Phil de Haan, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services communications consultant, in a statement.
Gunhild Lundquist and Nicole Lundquist using a Pocket Talker. Source FSJ Hospital Foundation
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation has recently purchased assistive devices for Peace Villa Residents with hearing and vision impairment.
The devices, called Pocket Talkers, are intended for Peace Villa residents to hear visitors better, which in turn, will make for more enjoyable family visits while maintaining a safe social distance.
These devices also are assistive in allowing clearer conversations while wearing face masks.
According to Hospital Foundation Executive Director Niki Hedges, the purchase of these devices has already made a difference in the lives of residents and has made it easier for them to interact with others.