Media & Research
Learn more about our work related to Deaf people and diabetes. This page has media coverage and research publications about our initiatives. Explore the links below.
[ARTICLE] diaTribe: People With Vision and Hearing Loss Call for Better Access to Diabetes Tech
At the ADA 2024 conference, diabetes disparity experts and advocates highlighted the urgent need for inclusive design in diabetes technology for the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and blind communities. Experts like Michelle Litchman and Allyson Hughes emphasized that these populations are frequently excluded from clinical trials and product development, resulting in devices—such as touchscreen-only insulin pumps—that lack tactile or linguistic accessibility. The article calls for manufacturers to involve these communities in the early stages of design, advocating for features like ASL resources, larger displays, and stronger vibration alerts to ensure that life-saving technology is functional for all users.
[PRESS RELEASE] University of Utah: First Diabetes Information Website In ASL Launches
University of Utah Health has launched Deaf Diabetes Can Together, the first medically reviewed website providing diabetes education primarily in American Sign Language (ASL). Created by and for the Deaf community, the site features a specialized video glossary and management resources to address the fact that Deaf individuals are at a three times higher risk for the disease. This initiative bridges critical communication gaps, ensuring life-saving health information is culturally and linguistically accessible to those whose primary language is ASL.
[WEBSITE] University of Utah: Language of Care
Website for The University of Utah Health's Language of Care film that premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. It discusses the program, the film that was made about it, and how the Deaf Diabetes Can Together program is helping the deaf community. This program helps deaf patients by breaking barriers and co-designing their care with researchers.
[PRESS RELEASE] University of Utah: Language of Care
This press release for the film “Language of Care” highlights the Deaf Diabetes Can Together program, which aims to improve healthcare access for Deaf individuals with diabetes. The program, co-designed with the Deaf community, addresses unique needs and tailors resources for increased access to accurate information and care. This model is being replicated for other under-resourced communities.
[JOURNAL] 570-P: Designing the Deaf Diabetes Can Together Intervention
Deaf individuals face challenges in diabetes education due to communication barriers and a lack of standardized ASL terms. To address this, a collaborative effort developed an ASL Glossary of diabetes terms, including new signs and clarifications, to improve communication and support diabetes education.
MICHELLE L. LITCHMAN, NANCY A. ALLEN, ELI IACOB, NIC A. MILLER, MURDOCK HENDERSON, SIERRA M. CANELA, SHINDUK LEE; 570-P: Designing the Deaf Diabetes Can Together Intervention. Diabetes 20 June 2023; 72 (Supplement_1): 570–P.
[PODCAST] Science Friday: How A Deaf Advisory Group Is Changing Healthcare
Podcast dated 11/3/23
Navigating the healthcare system while deaf can be a life-threatening experience. These community members want to change the system. Watch a conversation with Michelle Litchman and Tamiko Rafeek, who are working together with community members to design more inclusive care for deaf patients at the University of Utah Hospital.
(Description from Science Friday's YouTube page for this episode)
[JOURNAL] 540-P: Qualitative Findings from the Deaf Diabetes Can Together Pilot
The Deaf Diabetes Can Together (DDCT) intervention, a 10-week program providing diabetes education in American Sign Language, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. The program, led by a deaf expert clinician, increased motivation, provided practical tips, and fostered community support. Participants expressed a desire for additional content and individualized education.
KARISSA A. MIRUS, NANCY A. ALLEN, SHINDUK LEE, MICHELLE L. LITCHMAN; 540-P: Qualitative Findings from the Deaf Diabetes Can Together Pilot. Diabetes 14 June 2024; 73 (Supplement_1): 540–P.
[JOURNAL] 589-P: Diabetes Training for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community Health Workers
A pilot study explored the feasibility of adapting a Community Health Worker (CHW) training for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals. The training, delivered in American Sign Language (ASL), required additional time due to cultural adaptations and accessibility needs. The study suggests future diabetes CHW trainings should be delivered in ASL with additional time for effective communication.
MICHELLE L. LITCHMAN, KARISSA A. MIRUS, SHINDUK LEE, NANCY A. ALLEN; 589-P: Diabetes Training for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community Health Workers. Diabetes 14 June 2024; 73 (Supplement_1): 589–P.