Improving diabetes information access for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals
Official title: Improving Access to Diabetes Information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Populations
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10892896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a friendly website called Deaf Can Together to help Deaf and hard of hearing people learn about diabetes in a way that works best for them, using American Sign Language videos and helpful visuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $150,000 |
| NIH project number | 5G08LM014312-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who are living with diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hearing impairments or those who do not have diabetes may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance diabetes education for Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) populations by creating a culturally and linguistically appropriate website called Deaf Can Together. The project will involve co-designing the website with input from the DHH community to ensure it meets their specific needs. The website will feature videos in American Sign Language, along with visual aids, to effectively communicate important diabetes information. By leveraging technology, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap in health information access for DHH individuals living with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve diabetes management and health outcomes for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals by providing them with accessible and relevant information.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using technology to improve health information access for underserved populations, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Litchman, Michelle L — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Litchman, Michelle L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Retinal signals in early diabetes and how they affect vision
This grant looks at how diabetes changes the signals in the retina that control vision, with a focus on inner retinal cells and how these changes may lead to vision problems.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Bringing WHO HEARTS-D diabetes care into Bangladesh cities
A program to help urban clinics in Bangladesh adopt WHO HEARTS-D guidelines to improve detection, treatment, and control of type 2 diabetes.
-
AI-powered fundus imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes
A mobile AI tool uses eye images to help screen adults for type 2 diabetes in clinics or communities.
-
AI-powered eye imaging to screen for type 2 diabetes with a mobile phone
A plan to use AI on smartphone retinal images to help spot type 2 diabetes early, especially in people who may not have easy access to care.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.