Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessible Technology

State of the Science Conference

Information

A White Hispanic man points at a laptop screen while signing next to a Hispanic woman. They both look focused on reviewing captioning styles during a meeting. The man has dark brown hair and wears a black shirt with a green alien on the left side. The woman has short, straight black hair and wears a gray sweatshirt with big letters reading “Texas.” The big-screen TV behind them shows a comparison between two types of captions: TV and REV rollup.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessible Technology’s State of Science Conference is hosted by Gallaudet University’s Technology Access Program (TAP). Join us for a two-day synchronous hybrid event focused on advancing technology and accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.

When: September 16-17, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Eastern Time States) each day

Where: Synchronous Hybrid Format

  • In-person at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.
  • Online via Zoom

There is no cost to register.

What’s This Conference About?

This year’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessible Technology: State of Science Conference will present findings and innovations from two major federally funded research initiatives supported by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR):

Deaf/Hard of Hearing Technology Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (DHH-RERC): Focused on developing accessible communication and hearing technologies, including improvements for hearing aids, cochlear implants, and remote communication tools.

Twenty-First Century Caption Metrics and Usability Project: Dedicated to improving how captions are displayed, rated, and personalized for users in real-world media and educational settings.

The conference will highlight the latest research outcomes, demonstrate accessible technologies, and host critical discussions on advancing equity and usability across communication platforms.

An Asian man and a White woman are sitting at desks across from each other. The man is signing "Light" in American Sign Language, and the woman is speaking into a microphone while looking at a laptop. The man has short black hair and wears a black T-shirt. The woman has long brown hair and wears a light blue button-up shirt. There is a laptop, two lamps, and cords on both desks.

What to Expect?

You’ll experience and can be looking forward to:

  • In-depth presentations on:
    • Caption quality and customization
    • Hearing technology accessibility
    • Sign language innovation
    • Policy and tech impact
  • Keynote speeches from leaders in the field
  • Collaborative breakout sessions to spotlight urgent needs
  • Student Research Presentations & Awards
    • Students are invited to submit proposals
    • Top presentations will be recognized and awarded with a prize!

See more on Schedule

Access Information

To ensure full participation, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and real-time captioning (CART) will be provided for all sessions, whether you attend in person or online. Additional accommodations are available upon request during registration.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at dhh.rerc@gallaudet.edu.