How have you benefitted from the ALD Training Class and
 How will it affect how you serve clients?

I have benefitted from the training by gaining information about cutting edge technologies and refreshing my memory about the traditional "workhorse" devices that have been available for years.  As an SCD, the training allowed me to move through at my own pace and to be confident in recommending it to others, regardless of their level of experience with Rehabilitation Technology devices and services for Hard of Hearing and Deaf people.  I can't recommend this program highly enough!

*****

Even though my profession involves assisting individuals with hearing loss to determine the best ALD resolution for their on-the-job hearing issues, Becky Morris’s  ALD Training Program offered me more than I could have imagined.  She shared an exhaustive list of resources; ALD facts of which I was unaware; alerting systems and devices information promoting safety; tips and challenges to  better assist consumers; and an open website to access for a year.  Each individual’s hearing loss is unique and quite often challenging.  I find that Becky’s experience, knowledge, and practical teaching equips ALD participants to approach hearing loss challenges with increased confidence.    

*****

This training was a great benefit to me, in that, it was current, up to date, accurate information and training provided in a format that allowed me access and involvement daily, according to my work schedule and within my work environment. I was able to learn and work simultaneously instead of leaving my work and travelling to another place to learn solely about technology, then return to work, where I would likely put my technology training ‘on the back burner’ until I could find time to review and refresh my memory on it. As I learned something I was able to integrate and apply it immediately with my work.
I guess the fact that I could integrate and apply what I learned immediately with my work could be considered a way it has helped me serve my clients. Further, I have become more confident in the use and application of assistive technology and I feel I am better able to introduce the topic and stimulate discussion relevant to each client’s individual situation/circumstance, as opposed to just giving a ‘canned’ description…’definition’…of assistive technology

*****

The ALD Training Program has assisted Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing greatly because today's technology has changed drastically over the years. There are so much out there that we did not realize that will benefit consumers both in the workforce and in their personal life. It is important that we do not overlook a critical item that will make a difference.

*****

The training has help me tremendously with being able to really look for the appropriate types of devices for my clients and being able to provide better information to clients so they make good choices.  Prior to the training, I was pretty set in my ways and choices of technology because I didn't know exactly what to look for or what questions to ask.  The training has helped me to really do better research on devices and technology now that I have a better understanding of what's out on the market.  I have also been able to work better with our local vendors/contractors.  I think my clients are also feeling more confident that VR is giving them better options and solutions for a better quality of life from themselves.

*****

I think the most benefit I had was being provided with all the various types of info. re: the deaf and late deafened population (including proper terminology since I was still using "hard of hearing"), the expansive types of accomodations available (i.e. - use of pagers for communication on a job), awareness of the various needs levels and needs and that not all devices work for all levels of deafness or hearing loss.  

The training made me more aware of the choices that are available to clients who have hearing loss. I had no idea there was so much technology out there. Now when a client comes in and it seems like there may not be a solution to their barriers, I now know that there is likely a solution!

*****

One of the most important things I got from the training was to truly understand the consumer’s hearing loss and needs.  Sometimes in the fast pace world we work in we are too quick to say here are some hearing aids good luck.  There is so much technology out there and it is ever changing that many situations can easily be accommodated for a person with a hearing loss if we take the time to really understand their loss and their situation.  This is no great discovery, the training just brought it back home for me.

*****

The class is a good refresher on technology that you may have forgotten about as well as a good introduction to new technology that you may have not yet been introduced to.

*****

The ADL Training was very beneficial to me which gave me more insight on what questions to ask individuals with hearing loss. I was able to get a better outlook on the different types of technology devices that are on the market for hearing impaired individuals. I also was able to get a more and better understanding on how hearing loss can affect individuals in the workplace, which so often is taken for granted. I have seen individuals reprimanded for insubordination for failure to follow rules but come to find out management or supervision was not aware of the individuals hearing loss.
 

It was helpful to see other counselors’ ideas and the way they approached solving the situations you gave us.  As one that’s become a little ‘long in the tooth’, new technology or equipment may be better than what I’m using or think about.  Also, with today’s budget cuts, ideas about providing needed and recommended ALD’s are good to share.   Everyone seemed willing to discuss, look at and try new ideas to better serve their consumers.

*****

For me, it gave me a path to guide the consumer in the right direction of the ALD that can help improve work life.  For the consumer, it gave them ideas on how ALD could help improve overall living. 

*****

The biggest benefit to me was learning about the various AT devices, how they work, what is tried & true, what is new/upcoming, the vendors who sell these devices and how AT fit or may not fit a specific client who is deaf/HI.  Also, I like that you are in touch w/ former students for upcoming trainings and available for expert advice.

*****

The class was a great benefit to me as I learned about so many assistive listening devices that I either had never heard of or I had limited knowledge of how the ALDs were used. By learning about these ALDs, I am able to serve my consumers more effectively.

*****

   The benefit that I received from the course is that it opened my eyes to so much more sources available in the world to assist the hard of hearing community.  The first time I had heard of the UbiDuo was during the class time with you. Since then we received a grant and I asked to have one brought into our Loan Library.  So we now have one we can loan out to the public along with updated ALD’s we purchased. We have had this item and more at Conferences and has been quite an attraction and many conversations.  The Blue Tooth devices were a great hit also. Have rented out of the Loan Library an updated Conversor and it worked beautiful for the Gentleman in his meetings.

So I would really like to THANK YOU for all the information you provided for all of us that has taken or will take in the future. (I know more than you asked for.)