Deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) people, including American Sign Language (ASL) users, are at risk for limited information acquisition during all disaster phases leading to disaster preparation and response disparities. This study compared pre/posteducational intervention EFR deaf culture knowledge and comfort communicating with DHH during (written) disaster scenarios. Additionally, EFRs provided a preliminary rating of a disaster communication tool. This prospective study assessed impact of an educational intervention and DC3 (Deaf Communication Catalog), a visual communication tool designed to improve disaster communication. Key outcomes were
assessed at three timepoints: pre-, immediately post-, and 3 months post-intervention. Generalized linear models were used to assess change over time. Descriptive statistics characterized the sample. Of the 167 participants, the majority were male (88%), and white (91%). Immediate post-intervention comfort improved for EFR duties (scale= 1 very uncomfortable to 4= very comfortable): disaster explanation (mean 2.9 vs 3.0, p= .017) and determining DHH needs (mean 2.8 vs 3, p= .002). At 3 months, EFRs had improved awareness of barriers to communicating during disasters (p 0.05) and greater information loss during disasters with DHH (p 0.02). Sustained increase in deaf culture knowledge was demonstrated (69% vs 88% vs 93%, p 0.0001). Nearly all (96%) reported DC3 to be useful for improving communication. In conclusion, EFRs had improved deaf culture knowledge, awareness of communication barriers, and
comfort in communicating with DHH during disaster scenarios after an educational training. DC3, an emergency/disaster communication tool, was reported to be useful in fostering communication with DHH people.