Cultural Competence Education CE OHA Approved for Social Workers
/How Social Workers Can Identify & Respond to Hearing and Vision Loss
Supporting clients with hearing and vision loss can feel daunting in today’s fast‑paced care environments. Yet, even mild sensory changes can disrupt mood, communication, and daily life—and often go unrecognized. Social workers are uniquely positioned to spot these challenges early and provide practical support.
Why This Matters
As people age, hearing and vision loss often contribute to miscommunication, withdrawal, and difficulty maintaining relationships. New research shows links to serious health outcomes beyond isolation:
Increased risk of dementia
Higher rates of cardiac conditions
More injuries from falls
For social workers, unrecognized sensory loss can silently undermine therapeutic alliances and client progress.
Common Signs and Challenges
Clients appear withdrawn or “non‑compliant” in groups or sessions
Repeated requests for clarification, seeming distracted, or “not listening”
Reluctance to admit changes due to fear, denial, or stigma
Without awareness, these behaviors can be misattributed to mood or cognitive decline.
Practical Strategies and Tools
The good news: Many solutions are low‑cost or free, and social workers can integrate them easily into practice.
Screening tools: Quick, no‑cost tools can identify whether referral for hearing or vision support is needed.
Communication strategies: Simple changes—facing the client, reducing background noise, using plain language—improve connection.
AI support: Apps like Be My Eyes now include an AI feature that can describe pictures instantly, helping clients find items or read signs.
Free groups and community resources: Education and support groups can reduce isolation and increase coping skills.
Example: Charles Bonnet Syndrome
As vision declines, some clients experience visual hallucinations—a phenomenon called Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS). The brain creates images or patterns that come and go. Without reassurance, clients may fear “losing their mind” and keep silent. Your awareness and support can prevent unnecessary suffering and build trust.
Training Options with CE Credit
If you want to deepen your skills, there are three OHA‑approved, on‑demand courses available, all designed for social workers and related professionals:
2HR CE: Effective Communication with Clients who are Hard of Hearing
OHA‑Approved Cultural Competency CE & 2HR Cultural Competence CEU by CRCC
4HR CE: Understanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness, Impacts & Solutions
OHA Pre‑Approved Cultural Competence CE
Approved for 4HR CEU Ethics by CRCC
6HR CE: Promoting Culturally Competent Health Care for Those Aging with Dual Sensory Impairment
OHA‑Approved for Cultural Competence CE
Approved by NASW‑OR & 6HR CEU Ethics by CRCC
These courses are practical, experiential, and filled with real stories. You’ll gain concrete strategies for supporting clients with progressive hearing or vision loss, recognizing denial, and fostering hope.
What You Will Gain
Prevent social isolation and despair
Understand how to support progressive loss
Improve connection & communication
Use easy, low‑ or no‑cost strategies to increase access
Apply real‑world examples and solutions immediately
About the Instructor
Deb Marinos, MS – Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor, and CMBM Mind‑Body Skills Group Facilitator. With over 25 years teaching continuing education and working directly with hundreds of people experiencing sensory loss and disability, Deb brings practical, engaging, and compassionate training.
Take the Next Step
You can learn enough in these courses to make a real difference for yourself, your clients, and your community. Explore the options and register today:
Questions? Contact Deb directly at deb@adaptabilityforlife.com.
Adaptability for Life LLC
21887 Southwest Sherwood Blvd. Suite C
Sherwood, OR 97140