Power in Your Pocket or Purse
iPhone and Android Accessibility Features for People with Hearing Loss
In-Person & Webinar
Saturday Sept 12, 2026
(July & August 2026 No Meetings)
WELCOME TO THE 5th MEETING OF OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR!!!
RSVP by: Friday, Sept 11, 2026, 5:00 PM PT.
BIO:
Dr. Tina Gonzales Childress is a dynamic audiologist, advocate, and Director of Accessibility for InnoCaption who bridges audiology, accessibility, and lived experience. A late-deafened adult with bilateral cochlear implants and fluency in ASL, she offers multiple perspectives across Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Hearing communities. She is also a sought-after international presenter, adjunct lecturer, and mentor supporting individuals of all ages navigating hearing loss. A recognized subject matter expert on assistive and access technologies, Dr. Childress promotes inclusive practices, contributes to Boards and Committees at multiple levels, and creates widely-used resources at TinaChildressAuD.com.
Description:
This presentation explores built-in accessibility features on iOS and Android devices that support individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It provides a side-by-side comparison of tools such as media and live captions, speech-to-text transcription, sound awareness, and communication supports like RTT/TTY and text-to-speech. Practical applications for everyday communication, media access, and environmental awareness are discussed, along with strategies to improve accuracy, such as using external microphones. The session also highlights popular third-party apps, including captioning and translation tools, and offers curated resources to help users and professionals effectively leverage mobile technology for improved access and inclusion.
Schedule:
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9:30 AM PT: Social and Refreshments
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10:00 AM PT: Presentation (Webinar starts at 10 AM PT)
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11:30 AM PT: Complimentary Pizza
NEW IN-PERSON LOCATION:
Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, 3600 Broadway, (or use North Entrance at 275 W MacArthur, closest to free Fabiola parking), Lower Level Conference Room LL-B, Oakland CA 94611
PARKING OPTION #1: (3-minute walk): Free parking is available across the street from the Kaiser Fabiola Building at the 3780 Howe St. Parking Garage. From here, walk half a block to the North Entrance of the Oakland Medical Center at 275 West MacArthur Blvd. Please see the link here for walking directions.
PARKING OPTION # 2 (1-minute walk, parking lot adjacent to the Oakland Medical Center where the meeting will be held): The first two hours are free at the Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, 3510 Broadway Parking Garage; each additional 30 minutes costs $1, with a maximum daily charge of $18 after five hours. See the link here for parking fees.
DIRECTION: Once inside the Kaiser Oakland Medical Center, take any elevator to the Lower Level. Follow the signs to the Lower Level (LL) Conference Rooms. Our meeting will be held in Conference Room LL-B.
