Hospital HOH Awareness Kit
February 2004
I recently received a kit designed to make life easier for hard of
hearing people when they are in the hospital. The kits are distributed
by Hard of Hearing Advocates (HOHA). For additional information please
contact them at hoha@charter.net
The kit comes in a 9x12 white envelope with printing that identifies
what it is as well as instructions on how to use it. The front of the
envelope has locations for writing the patient's name and room number in
LARGE letters/numerals. The front also has a list of the kit contents
and HOHA contact information.
The back of the envelope contains instructions on using each of the
kit items.
So what's in the kit?
Three Description Sheets - These are 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper that
explain the purpose of the kit and why it's required. It also contains
more detailed instructions about using the kit for both the patient and
hospital personnel.
Two Small Posters - These are bright yellow 8.5 x 11 sheets of
cardstock that identify the patient as hard of hearing and request that
people face her and speak clearly. These are perfect for mounting over
the patient's bed and/or on the patient's door.
Two Tent Cards with Strategies - These are half sheets (8.5 x 5.5) of
bright yellow cardstock that are intended to be folded and placed on a
level surface to form a "tent". If you're having trouble
visualizing this, it's the kind of thing that restaurants use to
advertise specials, etc. The outside part is a smaller version of the
Small Poster, with the addition of a request that people open it and
read the underside. The underside contains a list of great tips
(strategies) for communicating with a person who is hard of hearing.
Ten ID Labels - These are little stickies about a half inch by an
inch with the text "Hard of Hearing - Speak Clearly". They are
intended to be placed on forms, ID bracelets, intercom lists, or any
other place where they will remind people that the patient is hard of
hearing.
One Kit Order Form - This is an order form for these kits. The price
is $2.50 each plus very reasonable shipping charges.
I think this is a great little kit that would help provide
communication access to a hard of hearing person in a hospital. In fact,
much of the kit contents would also be of benefit in an office setting,
retirement home, etc.
For more information, contact HOHA at hoha@charter.net
