At Juntendo University, we offer an elective program for third-year medical students to explore social determinants of health (SDH). Among the topics is ensuring healthcare access for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. We have implemented role-playing in outpatient clinic scenarios to simulate language barriers. In these role-plays, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and use sign language take on the role of healthcare professional, while the students assume the role of patient. This original program was developed by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Through participation in the program, students learn sign language and deaf culture while having a transformative learning experience that helps them recognize unconscious biases within themselves.

This article focuses on inclusive education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Rochester, New York, which prepares them to become healthcare professionals or researchers in health science fields. We highlight the unique programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students to develop their careers at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), and the University of Rochester (UR). These universities also foster an inclusive work environment that caters to the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing clinical professionals and faculty specialized in health research, enabling them to play leadership roles in their fields. Notably, Strong Memorial Hospital at UR supports deaf staff by providing interpreter services, allowing them to actively engage in their clinical work as professionals. Such seamless support, spanning from higher education to professional careers in Rochester, demonstrates a compelling model for enabling deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to pursue and thrive in their chosen professions.