Letter from Steve Florio, MCDHH Commissioner

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) has created a Coronavirus Visual Tool to assist Medical Professionals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals communicate better during medical appointments. Not only the Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals but also, those who do not speak English. This tool is great to use and PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE!!

Coronavirus Visual Tool (pdf) use:

-Option 1: Download pdf and print it, front and back, on 8.5 x 11 paper

-You may wish to laminate it (particularly if medical providers feel the laminate can be disinfected)

Or

-Option 2: Download pdf to a phone or tablet to be used on screen

-Medical Providers can use the icons, and communication tips, to:

-communicate illness prevention

-determine symptoms, severity and timeframe

-communicate treatment and ongoing care

-learn the preferred method of communication

-Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals can use the icons to help communicate:

-preferred method of communication

-symptoms, severity and timeframe

-ask questions about care

-know where to get current information regarding Coronavirus

Get more information at:

-Commonwealth of Massachusetts: https://mass.gov/covid19

-Executive Office of Health & Human Services: https://mass.gov/eohhs or call: Dial 211

-Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: https://mass.gov/mcdhh or email: MCDsafety@mass.gov