ASHA Stresses Importance of Readiness for People With Hearing,
Speech, and Language Disorders
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 17,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- With experts predicting an
unusually active Atlantic hurricane season this year, the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is sharing storm
readiness tips for people who use assistive technologies such as
hearing aids and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
devices.
Storm preparation is necessary for anyone
who lives in a high-risk area, but for people who use hearing aids
and other assistive devices to communicate, there are additional
factors to plan for that are critically important.
"Storm preparation is necessary for anyone who lives in a
high-risk area, but for people who use hearing aids and other
assistive devices to communicate, there are additional factors to
plan for that are critically important," said Tena McNamara, AuD, CCC-A/SLP, 2024 ASHA
President.
"During weather events when people may become injured, trapped,
or displaced, accessing and sharing information can truly mean life
or death. If someone uses a device to help them hear or speak, it
ideally should be charged and with them at all times. Because this
may not be possible if a person evacuates quickly or the power is
out, it's important to make contingency plans."
ASHA shares the following advice for people who use assistive
devices and their families:
- Keep devices fully charged and near you when you sleep. You'll
want to be able to grab your device quickly if you need to
evacuate. It's also a good idea to secure them to your nightstand
with Velcro or another adhesive.
- Order extra batteries and cleaning/care supplies. Keep these
items—as well as a portable charger or power bank and a user's
manual for your device—in a pre-packed "go bag." If devices aren't
waterproof, order protective covers to help keep them
operational.
- Always have a backup communication option. If you're separated
from your device or it isn't working, other modes of communication
will be necessary. Low-tech alternatives include writing (keep a
notepad and pens with you) and communication boards (i.e.,
laminated papers with pictures or words that you can point
to).
- Use visual or vibrating alerts. Set up visual or vibrating
alert systems for smoke detectors, alarms, and other emergency
notifications, if you haven't already. By having these systems in
place, you can ensure that you receive alerts even if you can't
hear them. You should also purchase a weather radio.
Many weather radios have attachments—like bed shakers and
strobe lights in case you can't hear the alarm—as well as text
displays that light up at night so you know what kind of weather
warning is coming.
- Keep a communication card with you. A physical communication
card that briefly explains your specific communication challenges
or needs can be useful as you interact with first responders and
others. Consider including contact information of a trusted
communication partner familiar with your communication differences
who can provide additional support to first responders when
communication breakdowns occur.
- Program additional vocabulary and information into
your AAC devices. Many people may not use particular words
often—such as shelter or police. But such words may become
important in a disaster situation. Store emergency contact
information, medical details, and key personal information into
your AAC device, as well, for quick access.
- Practice emergency drills. These drills should account for your
communication devices and are necessary to practice regularly, to
be sure that you and those around you are familiar with the
procedures and your needs.
For more information or to interview an expert on this topic,
email pr@asha.org.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA)
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing
association for 234,000 members, certificate holders, and
affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists;
speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and
speech-language pathology assistants; and students. Audiologists
specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance
disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including
hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess,
and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
http://www.asha.org.
Media Contact
Francine Pierson, ASHA,
301-296-8715, fpierson@asha.org, https://www.asha.org
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SOURCE ASHA