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

/ Adaptability for Life LLC/

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.

Continuing the Mission of Access and Understanding

Adaptability for Life’s cultural competence - ethics continuing education courses provide engaging and practical skills in supporting their clients with vision/hearing loss.

Approvals - Accreditations:

OHA - Oregon Health Authority - Cultural Competence CE
CEP #18180 CA Board of Registered Nursing, Continuing Education Provider
NASW-OR Nat. Assoc. of Social Workers - Oregon Cultural Competence CE
CRCC - Commission on Rehabilitation Counselors Certification - Ethics CE

Who these courses are helpful for:

Nurses, Psychologist, LCSW, LFMT, PT, OT, SLP, ND, NP, PA, MD, DDS, LPC, Chiropractor, License Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Dentist, Dental Technologist, Dietitian, Emergency Medical Service Provider, Home Care Worker, Lactation Consultant, Long Term Care Administrator, Massage Therapist, Medical Imager, Midwife, Naturopathic Doctor, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Polysomnographic Technologist/Respiratory Therapist, Social Workers, Caregivers and Families.

  • For those seeking to enhance their skills in communicating with those who have vision or hearing loss, consider enrolling.

2-Hour Cultural Competence CE: Effective Communication with Clients Who Are Hard of Hearing
4-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Understanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness, Impacts & Solutions
6-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Providing Culturally Competent Healthcare for Those Aging with Dual Sensory Impairments

Each course blends over 25 years of experience in rehabilitation counseling and disability services with lived insight and real-world examples. You’ll walk away with tools that help prevent social isolation, improve connection and communication, and foster hope—even in the face of progressive sensory loss.

What You’ll Gain

  • Strategies to prevent social isolation and despair

  • Tools to support clients experiencing progressive loss

  • Skills to improve communication and connection

  • Easy, low- or no-cost accessibility techniques

  • Real-world examples you can apply immediately

About the Instructor

Deb Marinos, MS, CRC, LPC, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor, and CMBM Mind-Body Skills Group Facilitator. She brings decades of teaching experience with health care professionals and other working with individuals navigating sensory loss and disability. Her courses are designed to be interactive, helpful, and will give you more comfort in your work.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to strengthen your skills, deepen your empathy, and make your practice more inclusive—join Deb and Olaf on this journey.

👉 Explore the Cultural Competence & Ethics accredited continuing education courses and sign up today at Adaptability for Life

Adaptability for Life LLC
21887 SW Sherwood Blvd. STE C
Sherwood, OR 97140
deb@adaptabilityforlife.com