Introducing ICAAT
The Industry-Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology (ICAAT) is a collaboration between the Hearing Loss Association of America, Gallaudet University and the American Institutes for Research.
Our goal is to bring together technology developers with consumers who have hearing loss to create and inspire more accessible, innovative and responsive technologies.
ICAAT will launch in 2022. We hope you will join this first-of-its-kind online community of consumers with hearing loss and industry, where you can access and participate in discussions about a wide range of technology topics and issues, explore and share resources and learn about technology-related events.
A Message from HLAA Executive Director, Barbara Kelley
ICAAT is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90REGE0013). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
FAQs
What is the benefit of becoming an ICAAT member?
Becoming a member of ICAAT allows you to have full access to the website, including exclusive discussions, event announcements, resources and more!
I am deaf or I am a person with hearing loss: How can I contribute and collaborate?
As a member of ICAAT who is deaf or has hearing loss, you will have access to all of the site’s exclusive benefits including:
- A “Tech Forum” Community Group where you can share topics of interest to you, and learn more about assistive technology with other people with hearing loss and deaf people.
- Interesting and exclusive information under “Resources,” “Events” and featured postings.
- A platform that will allow you to volunteer to help technology developers to better understand and meet the needs of people with hearing loss and deaf people.
I am a Technology Developer: How can I contribute and collaborate?
As a member of ICAAT and a Tech Developer, you will have access to all of the site’s exclusive benefits including:
- A “Tech Forum” Community Group where you can share topics of interest to you, ask questions and learn more that will inform your ability to design quality assistive technology for individuals who are deaf or people with hearing loss.
- Interesting and exclusive information under “Resources,” “Events” and featured postings.
- A platform that will connect you to participants for user testing and interviews, to inform and assist you in identifying market opportunities, designing and refining assistive technology and moving forward to market.
Can I share this site with my family, and friends and other contacts?
Absolutely. We want to engage a broad community of people and organizations in order to identify and achieve the most relevant technological needs for individuals who are deaf or people with hearing loss.
What is planned next for ICAAT?
ICAAT will continue to:
- Create and share information about improving hearing-assistive technology with organizations, and expand that network;
- Maintain and foster engaged groups of technology users, who can help to accelerate the development of those tools; and
- Monitor use of the site, to keep it relevant and user-friendly.
I have a question. Who can I contact?
If you have more questions or are interested in learning more, you can reach out to the ICAAT Team by scrolling down to the bottom of the page and selecting Contact ICAAT. We look forward to hearing from you!