WEBINAR—Hospital Safety and Hearing Loss: A Hospital Panel Discussion

Panelists: 

Carlos A Olvera, CHI

Manager, Interpreter Services 

Co-Chair, ADA Task Force 

Rush University Medical Center 

In 2002, Carlos Olvera became the first Spanish Language Interpreter hired at Rush University Medical Center. His leadership and commitment to excellence were instrumental in establishing Rush as a model for interpreter services across Chicago and the Midwest.

Mr. Olvera serves as co-chair of the Rush ADA Task Force, where he actively works to enhance accessibility for patients, visitors, and employees. He is also a member of the Rush University System for Health Diversity Leadership Council, contributing to broader institutional efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a person with bilateral hearing loss who uses hearing aids, Mr. Olvera brings a unique and valuable perspective to his advocacy for accessibility and inclusion in healthcare settings.

Kevin Irvine

Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, Individuals with Disabilities

Co-Chair, Rush ADA Task Force

Facilitator, Rush Disabilities Employee Resource Group

Rush University Medical Center

Kevin Irvine works at Rush University System for Health in Chicago as its Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant, Individuals with Disabilities, where he developed and implemented Rush’s strategy to recruit disabled job seekers and guides disability inclusion initiatives to make Rush an inclusive and accessible place for its patients, visitors, employees, faculty and students. Kevin co-chairs Rush’s ADA Task Force committee and facilitates its Disabilities Employee Resource Group, which he created in 2019. In 2023, Kevin was appointed by Illinois’ Governor to serve on the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board and currently is vice-chair of its Continuous Improvement & Accountability Committee. Kevin has worked as a disability rights advocate and trainer for most of his career, over 3 decades.

Patty McMahill, MHA, MT (ASCP)

Director of Clinical Integration 

OSF HealthCare 

Patty McMahill is Director of Clinical Integration at OSF HealthCare, where she leads strategic programs that enhance patient care in clinical engineering, client devices, and supply chain operations. She also oversees the Assistive Services Program, advancing equitable communication access for patients with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency across 17 hospitals and 150+ clinics. Her leadership has significantly expanded 24/7 language services throughout Illinois and Michigan. 

Wendy Martell, MSN, RN

Program Manager, Magnet and Nursing Excellence

Nursing Professional Development and Advancement

Swedish Hospital

Wendy Martell is the Program Manager, Magnet & Nursing Excellence at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital. She leads the Magnet Recognition Program to maintain Magnet designation and advance nursing excellence at the hospital. Wendy serves as liaison to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and advises nursing leadership on sustaining Magnet standards and strategies. She oversees nursing quality and satisfaction data analysis, collaborates with clinical teams to drive improvements, and mentors professional governance councils. Wendy also champions evidence-based practice and professional development to support nurses in delivering outstanding patient care. Additionally, she has previously participated in the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Hospital Safety Panel discussion and is excited to contribute her expertise again, focusing on improving care for older adults with hearing loss.

Sarah Serralta, NIC

Coordinator – ASL Interpreter
Interpretation Services
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Sarah Serralta is a nationally certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and serves as the Coordinator of Interpretation Services at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She also contributes to inclusion efforts as a board member for Northwestern’s LGBTQ and Disability Employee Resource Groups. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus on healthcare, aiming to improve safety, communication, and equity for both patients and healthcare staff.

Moderator: 

Elaine McCaffrey, Esq.

Treasurer, HLAA Board of Directors