Innovations in workplace accessibility and accommodation for
persons with hearing loss: Using social networking and community of practice
theory to promote knowledge exchange and change
Affiliations: School of Occupational Therapy, Western University,
London, ON, Canada | School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and
National Centre for Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University,
London, ON, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Lynn Shaw, School of Occupational Therapy,
Western University, London, ON, Canada. E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite widespread availability of assistive technology
and the role of occupational therapists and audiologists in workplace health,
little is known about how these groups influence the health of workers with
hearing loss. OBJECTIVE: Based on a previously conducted study, this paper
explores the need for networking and community of practice theory to promote
knowledge sharing and use between occupational therapists, audiologists,
educators, regulators, workers, and employers. METHODS: Five occupational therapists and five audiologists
participated in in-depth interviews. Grounded theory was used to investigate
the processes that hinder or support these professionals in addressing the
accommodation needs of and workplace accessibility for workers with hearing
loss. RESULTS: Constraints to addressing the needs of workers with hearing
loss included: lack of knowledge about professional practice processes, lack of
networking, lack of knowledge on current research, and lack of knowledge on the
realm of expertise of audiologists by occupational therapists and of
occupational therapists by audiologists. CONCLUSIONS: Innovations in workplace practice in hearing loss
require engagement of occupational therapists, audiologists, and employers in
knowledge transfer, networking, and learning. This column introduces two
theories that may guide the use and development of evidence, knowledge, and
expertise toward innovations in hearing work practice.
Keywords: Community of practice theory, networking theory, workplace practice, hearing loss, occupational therapists and audiologists
