COVID-19
ASL Video Links and Other Resources
Oregon Deaf
and Hard of Hearing Services
During this pandemic, Deaf and hard
of hearing people may have more challenges than usual with:
- job loss or reduction in income
because of layoffs and closures
- basic communication, as many people’s
faces are covered with masks
- social isolation and mental/emotional
stress from staying at home
- stress from fear of exposure to
COVID-19, or getting COVID-19 and trying to communicate with health care
workers wearing PPE
Below you will find:
- Links to ASL videos about COVID-19
- Communication resources
- Emergency resources (e.g., food, housing)
- Mental health and resources for
emotional well-being
ASL videos about COVID-19
Communication resources
If you need a mobile device and/or apps
that may help you communicate by text-to-speech or Video Relay Interpreting
(VRI), here are two resources:
ODHHS has a set of tips for communication between people wearing masks and Deaf and hard of hearing people.
ODHHS has developed a video (with ASL and open captions), with
guidance for preparing a medical emergency “go bag” to have ready to take to
the hospital. It includes information about items to include in your go bag. Here
is a checklist.
National Association for the Deaf,
Hearing Loss Association of America, TDI, and American Association of the
Deaf-Blind have suggestions for how to communicate in medical settings with
people wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Help with emergency resources
(for example, food or help with utilities)
Mental health and resources for
emotional well-being