Communication is the key: Creating accessible workplaces for employees with hearing loss

Communication unites a workplace. For employees with hearing loss, access to clear and effective communication isn’t just a right under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—it’s what allows them to contribute their full potential and thrive both individually and as a vital team member.
In this session, you’ll be introduced to the different hearing loss sub-groups, understand the impacts of hearing loss; review laws related to workplace accommodations; and explore practical tools and tips for creating accessible, inclusive environments.
Whether you currently employ someone with hearing loss or simply want to be prepared to support your team in the future, this session will help you build confidence in recognizing communication access needs, responding efficiently, and fostering a workplace where everyone can succeed.

Join Anne Janckila and Judy Leach to learn about what you as an HR Professional need to know to communicate with your whole team!!

Anne: As a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist, Anne provides direct consumer assistance, ensures communication access, information and referral, assistive technology demonstrations, and training and consultation to service providers. Anne’s office is located in Duluth and she provides services for the northeastern and north central counties. Anne has a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language-English Interpreting. She has previous experience providing ASL-English interpreting services in educational and community settings, including medical, mental health, business, legal, and performing arts. As a former staff ASL interpreter for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, she also provided education and training on working with interpreters, communication access, and providing auxiliary aids and services.

Judy: As a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist, Judy provides direct consumer assistance. This position assists consumers in developing self-advocacy skills to ensure communication access. Judy also provides information and referrals, assistive technology recommendations, and training and consultation to community organizations, agencies, and providers. Judy is based in the St Cloud office serving the Central Minnesota region. Judy has an AAS degree in American Sign Language-English Interpreting, a Deaf Studies Certificate, and holds multiple national certifications. Judy began her career as a staff ASL interpreter for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing State Services Division before her self-employment in the community. She then provided interpreting services across Minnesota in government, human services, educational, corporate, medical, mental health, video relay, legal, and conference settings. Having returned to the Division, she now serves with the Specialist team drawing from her diverse experiences.