Self Advocacy
Empowering Journeys in Self-Advocacy for Hearing Loss
Living with hearing loss can present unique challenges, but self-advocacy empowers individuals to overcome barriers and thrive in various settings. In Canada, there are specific steps you can take to assert your needs in environments like school, workplaces, and healthcare. This guide provides essential insights and practical tips for effective self-advocacy.
At School
Inform Educators:
- Communicate with teachers about your hearing loss.
- Share preferred accommodations and assistive technologies.
- Collaborate with the school’s accessibility services.
Participate Actively:
- Sit in front during classes for better visibility.
- Request lecture materials in advance.
- Join or form study groups for mutual support.
Know Your Rights:
- Familiarize yourself with Canadian disability rights in education.
- Explore available resources and support networks in your province.
At Work
Open Communication:
- Disclose your hearing loss to supervisors and colleagues.
- Discuss reasonable accommodations, such as captioning or amplified phones.
- Emphasize your commitment to success in your role.
Advocate for Inclusivity:
- Use our Working with Hearing Loss Guide to help educate supervisors and colleagues.
- Propose awareness training for colleagues.
- Encourage the adoption of communication-friendly practices.
- Seek workplace mentorship or guidance.
Explore Legal Protections:
- Understand your rights under the Canadian Human Rights Act, and if in Ontario, the Accessibilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
- Document any instances of discrimination or lack of accommodation.
At Health Care Appointments
Communicate Effectively:
- Inform healthcare providers about your hearing loss.
- Request written communication or visual aids during appointments.
- Utilize assistive listening devices if available.
Bring Support:
- Have a friend or family member accompany you to appointments.
- Consider bringing a written list of questions or concerns. If it’s your first appointment related to hearing loss, click here for more information to prepare.
Accessible Information:
- If you require clarification of any information, don’t hesitate to ask. Your provider’s role is to help you.
- Advocate for healthcare facilities to provide accessible informational materials.
Our Communication Accessibility Checklist
To help Canadians advocate for hearing loss friendly communities, we’ve developed a Communication Accessibility Checklist. This easy-to-use tool is designed to help individuals and groups identify communication barriers for people with hearing loss in both private and public spaces. You may use the checklist to bring barriers to the attention of business owners and community leaders, or to audit your own business for accessibility.
Important Note: While this checklist is a helpful guide, it is not a substitute for federal or provincial accessibility guidelines or municipal building codes. It complements existing standards by providing a practical tool for identifying and addressing communication barriers.
