UNMC students get firsthand experience on how deaf people are treated in health care world
Participants at a deaf-centric hospital event said when it comes to health care, the deaf and hard-of-hearing community often feels like they're a forgotten population.
And they said they face frustrating barriers, so that's why opportunities like Saturday's simulation training are so important.
With the help of deaf volunteers, UNMC students were able to see firsthand what the experience is like for a deaf community member in the health care world.
Struggling to communicate when an interpreter is not provided, or the virtual interpreter machine disconnects or freezes during an appointment can create an aggravating experience for everyone involved.
It's something event organizers are working to change.
"I hope we can get through that wall, that communication barrier so that we have equal access. I would like to be able to pick up the phone and make a phone call and make an appointment and then, you know, in the back of my mind, I can be like, I know that they're they understand what I need. There will be an interpreter there," said Tammy Richardson-Nelson with Deaf Community Accessibility and Language.
Participants said this is not just an issue in Omaha but also nationwide.
Opportunities like the deaf-centric hospital are helping to spread awareness and break down the communication barrier.