Inclusion isn’t a buzzword; it’s a basic human need.
For people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard-of-hearing, communication barriers can make everyday life more isolating than it needs to be. Whether it’s missing a punchline in a conversation, struggling to follow a lecture, or being left out of a group chat without captions, these small moments add up. True inclusion means ensuring that everyone can participate fully, without needing to bluff their way through.
This week, we hosted our Blind and Low Vision Support Group in Manchester, and some of our members have hearing impairments. I visited the Legislative Office Building today to listen to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Advisory Committee to better understand the advocacy work that is being done. I'm truly inspired by the work they are doing.
Find out what's happening in Manchesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Captions have long been one of the most powerful tools in creating access. They provide people with hearing loss the opportunity to follow along in real-time, whether at school, work, or home. But accessibility is about more than simply reading words on a screen; it’s about capturing the full experience of communication. Tone, context, and emotion all matter in how we connect with each other. Watching the tactile interpreters interact with their clients was enlightening, but listening to the lack of ASL interpreters, the gaps in access, and the limited funding available was very worrisome.
New technology is so exciting, but this is a big investment to update websites and online resources to be thinking of this demographic of people. Advances in AI and captioning tools are beginning to add richer layers to communication. Beyond transcribing speech, they can now capture environmental sounds, emotions, and vocal cues that help paint a fuller picture of what’s happening. This innovation opens doors to experiences that once felt out of reach, like feeling the energy of a stadium cheer, sensing the warmth in a friend’s voice, or catching the nuance of a storyteller’s pause.
Find out what's happening in Manchesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Still, progress doesn’t come without responsibility. Accuracy and clarity must always remain the foundation of accessibility. Enhancements like expressive captioning should support understanding, not distract from it.
At its core, inclusion is about respect. It’s about recognizing that people communicate in many ways, and that technology, when designed thoughtfully, can bring us closer together. By continuing to advocate for broader community awareness, we are taking steps toward a world where no one is left on the sidelines of communication.
Because inclusion isn’t optional. It’s essential.
UR Community Cares is Hosting Four Hearing Awareness Events This Year
1st Event is a Hybrid Discussion on Being Hard-of-Hearing Aware.
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Our Second Event
Join us for a Free Human Guide Training led by the Helen Keller National Center,
Hosted at CT State Community College Manchester.
This hands-on training will help participants learn how to safely and respectfully guide individuals who are DeafBlind.
Event Details: Register to attend by clicking here.
Human Guide Training Presented by Helen Keller National Center
Presentation 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
* Limited to 90 registered participants
* Learn essential skills to support individuals who are DeafBlind through guided techniques.
Free Lunch 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Available to those registered for the morning training.
Afternoon Workshops
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
* Space limited to 40 participants
* Hands-on sessions focused on accessibility, communication tools, and inclusive practices.
Resource Fair & Vendor Tabling 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Connect with healthcare professionals, explore assistive technologies, and gather valuable resources.
Become a Sponsor by clicking here.
Help Us Grow UR Hearing Resources
You can help us expand this vital new program to bring more educational events to our community. UR Hearing Resources is dedicated to raising awareness about the growing hard-of-hearing, Deaf, and DeafBlind populations, and empowering everyone to communicate more inclusively.
With your support, we can offer more workshops, trainings, and outreach opportunities that teach practical tools for communication, whether on phones, laptops, Zoom calls, or in everyday interactions like ordering at a restaurant or visiting a doctor.
Together, we can build a more inclusive community where everyone is heard, understood, and respected.
Kindness is key,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director
860-430-4557
