Today, psychologists and psychology trainees who have motor, visual, aural or other disabilities can rely on a host of tools and technology accommodations that can assist them in their work.
Those with visual impairments, for example, may use BrailleNote, a computer with a Braille keyboard and refreshable display that allows the user to read and write content and engage in conversation with sighted individuals. (The maker of BrailleNote, HumanWare, also offers communications tech options for deaf-blind people.) Blind psychologists and trainees may also use voice dictation software to write reports.
Deaf or hard of hearing trainees and psychologists may use video relay services that provide real-time interpreting using conferencing software. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals use the video equipment to sign with an interpreter, who can relay information between a psychologist and a client. The interpreters, like the psychologists, operate under a strict patient-client code of confidentiality and are required to sign an agreement.
"In addition to the interpreting organization having interpreters sign a confidentiality agreement, they are also aware that they most likely will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement with respective clinical practices," says Maggie Butler, PhD, director of APA's Office on Disability Issues in Psychology. "It is essential that psychologists ensure that the confidentiality statement is signed for their practice to maintain compliance with APA's Ethics Code."
Another method used by deaf or hard of hearing psychologists and trainees is CART—Communication Access Realtime Translation—a computer-aided transcription service that's also known as "real-time captioning" that displays the translated text onto a computer monitor or other screen. CART services require informed consent as well as access to a reliable internet connection, says Butler. They may also use an on-site interpreter or cued speech transliterator, if one is available.
Psychologists and trainees with physical disabilities such as limited dexterity may use text-to-speech software, such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking, or use eye gaze pointers that allow individuals to use a computer to voice for them. APA's Office on Disability Issues in Psychology is also a resource for product reviews and can even help recommend ways to secure financial support for such technology, says Butler. —Katherine Lee
