Preliminary Conference Agenda

Addressing equity, diversity, inclusion, and equal information access (EDIA) are acknowledged priorities. Challenges with hearing impairment are researched at various stages of development and academic levels. The potential isolation of people with a hearing impairment from scholarly information sharing and discourse can be addressed from multiple perspectives (information ethics, information behaviour). Hearing impairment manifests on a spectrum from mild to profound. Although written publications are the dominant means of scholarly information sharing, the value of meeting participation and oral communication (e.g., conference presentations, YouTube videos) are acknowledged in addition to debates on the importance of in-presence versus virtual meetings. Assistive technologies (e.g., accessible telephones/videophones) and sign language offer solutions. The use of these in scholarly information sharing is not apparent. This panel will discuss how and with what consequences, people with hearing impairment are excluded from scholarly information sharing (excluding written communication) and how challenges can be addressed.