Telehealth For People With Diverse Abilities
Telehealth resources for Hawaiʻi’s accessibility needs community
Thank You For Participating In Our Survey For Individuals With Accessibility Needs
We received over 100 responses on our survey – Exploring Telehealth For Individuals With Accessibility Needs Throughout the Pacific Region. Stay tuned for a summative report on the findings!
Overview of Hawaiʻi's Diverse Ability Community
Hawaiʻi’s diverse ability community is at a distinct technological disadvantage. COVID-19 has shone a light on one of the disparities this community faces in the pursuit of digital literacy. Some 62% of adults with a diverse ability say they own a desktop or laptop computer, compared with 81% of those without a diverse ability. The affordability of devices and connectivity, as well as lack of access to training, is only compounded by the need for assistive and adaptive technology. Access to technology is critical to telehealth services.
Much of the Hawaiʻi population enjoys digital literacy and often takes for granted everyday occurrences like video calling. Internet access is a human right as declared by the UN General Assembly in 2016, and addressing digital divide is the next step to ensuring all of Hawaiʻi’s diverse ability population is receiving the same access that others consider commonplace.
Barriers to Digital Literacy Throughout the Diverse Ability Community
Socially and economically disadvantaged people face barriers to accessing health systems and are more at risk of suffering from chronic health conditions. Lack of access to broadband and devices is contributing to this unequal distribution of vulnerability. In addition, there are significant language barriers among cultural groups throughout Hawaiʻi. There is also a large aging population that acquires age-related accessibility needs and at times are unable to seek local services due to the geographic nature of the Hawaiian islands.
Resources For Patients & Providers
Do you need special accommodations?
This guide, published by the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services, provides resources for patients who are Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf and Deaf-Blind.
Are you a provider who needs communication guidance?
This guide, published by the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services, covers resources for professionals, healthcare providers who serve the Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf and Deaf-Blind community, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.
Recommendations for Providers
This guide, published by the Telehealth Resource Center, covers topics including: definitions, legal obligations, general recommendations for providers, and tips for effectively communicating with patients that have a variety of diverse abilities.
Aloha Independent Living Hawaiʻi (AILH) TeleConnect Project Partnership
PBTRC partnered with Aloha Independent Living Hawaiʻi (AILH), bringing together the perspective of both the providers and the patients. AILH brings over 13 years of service and experience with the accessibility needs community to our mission.
Together, PBTRC and AILH’s TeleConnect Program will reach our common goal of bridging the divide between service provider, patient, and support system.
AILH Tech Literacy Training Series
PBTRC collaborated with AILH to create a series of training modules for individuals with diverse abilities. Below are videos with American Sign Language (ASL) and Audio Description (AD). We hope you find the tech assistance you need in these videos to help you through your telehealth journey.
Tech Literacy Training Series
Tech Literacy Training Series (ASL)
Tech Literacy Training Series (AD)
"What To Expect From a Telehealth Visit" Videos
View the latest editions to the WTEFaTHV video series with new modifications for Caregivers and inclusion of Audio Descriptions.