Guidelines For Setting Up The Video Classroom For Effective Communication For Those With Hearing/Vision Loss

These are quick-reference guidelines for instructors and healthcare providers leading live video classroom sessions. The strategies below support effective, inclusive communication for participants with hearing and/or vision loss.

  • Make it clear at first that interrupting to improve communication is OK (pinning, lighting, mic changes, stating names as talking, etc.)

  • Please ask participants to mute their mic, as background noise can make it hard to understand. Teach how, if needed. 

  • Consider how side chatter in the chat (or ASL side conversations) can create miscommunication if watching the live captions or interpreter. 

  • OK to use chat when the speaker requests, or if that is your preferred way of speaking.

  • Please make a conscious effort to face the camera with good lighting 

  • Slow down if you are a fast speaker and use your best, clear diction and projection. 

  • Pause frequently to allow catch-up time.

  • Do not exaggerate or yell; this actually makes it worse.

  • Be tolerant of requests for repeat or clarification; this builds a sense of inclusion.

  • It’s a tendency of folks with hearing loss to be reluctant to speak out, as they may interrupt unintentionally and be called out as rude.

  • One way of compensating: If a smaller group, with feedback requested, is assign a number to each person so they can take turns in order.

  • Chat and knowing who is talking can be problematic when vision loss exists, so have someone read the chat, and state who is talking, if they forget to say who they are.

  • Test / Assess your setup with a Practice Exercise: How many years have you been in your current position? Favorite part of the job?  Or other easy-to-answer questions. 

    Thank you for considering everybody’s needs in your meeting.

CRCC and Oregon Health Authority Pre Approved Continuing Education for Health Care Providers and Others in 2HR, 4HR and 6HR Courses: Ensuring Effective Communication with Clients Who Are Hard of Hearing 

Understanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness, ItUnderstanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness, It’s Impacts & SolutionsProviding Culturally Competent Health Care for Those Aging with Dual Sensory Impairments.

Instructor: Deb Marinos, MS, CRC, LPC

Questions after class anytime: deb@adaptabilityforlife.com

Website: https://www.adaptabilityforlife.com/

Copyrighted by Adaptability for Life LLC 2025

Cultural Competence & Ethics CE Here