Linda Kozma-Spytek is Rethinking Public Spaces Through Accessible Solutions

Linda Kozma-Spytek has spent more than 25 years working at the intersection of technology and accessibility, focusing on solutions for individuals with hearing loss.

With a distinguished career at Gallaudet University’s Technology Access Program, she has contributed to groundbreaking work in standards development, public policy, and research that has shaped how accessible technology is developed and implemented.

Recently, she transitioned to consulting, continuing her mission with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and Gallaudet University’s Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) on projects that redefine accessibility in public spaces.

In this episode, Linda delves into how accessible technology is evolving to bridge the gap between industry innovation and real-world user needs. She shares insights from her current projects, including her work with the Smithsonian Institution and Kennedy Center on assistive listening technology and her leadership role in the Industry Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology (ICAT).

Join us for a deep dive into the future of accessible technology, the value of consumer feedback, and how regulatory support can drive meaningful change.

Be sure to listen to the full episode for more, and read on to explore five key takeaways from Linda’s vision for an accessible world.

The Role of Consumer Feedback in Accessibility Innovation

In Linda’s Words:

“One of the projects we worked on together was about getting consumers—people with hearing loss, namely—to connect with industry, providers, builders, and the companies who build for these communities. The goal was to really allow consumers to raise their voices, share feedback, and help progress the next generation of accessible solutions.”

Giving people with hearing loss a direct line to developers and industry leaders is essential for meaningful innovation. Through the Industry Consumer Alliance for Accessible Technology (ICAT), consumers can connect directly with companies developing accessibility tools. This platform lets people with hearing loss share real-life experiences and needs, influencing the creation of solutions that are genuinely useful.

Auracast and the Future of Assistive Listening

In Linda’s Words:

“Auracast is something that breaks down that silo, making listening and assisted listening something for everyone. That's the hope for it. And it's just now starting to be deployed in products. So we don't know very much about how successful it's actually going to be. There's this promise, but is that promise going to be fulfilled in reality? Museums and performing arts spaces are some of the most challenging environments in which to accomplish assisted listening.”

Auracast is an assistive listening technology with the potential to make audio more accessible in public spaces like museums and theaters. Unlike traditional systems that require specific equipment or setups, Auracast works with Bluetooth-enabled devices, so users can connect to the audio directly through their hearing aids or earbuds. The hope is that Auracast will simplify the process, making assisted listening a universal experience. But as Linda notes, much about Auracast’s impact remains to be seen. While it promises more flexibility, implementing the technology in complex, high-noise environments presents unique challenges. As Auracast continues to roll out, its success in creating an inclusive, seamless listening experience in these challenging spaces will reveal its true potential.

The Importance of Technology Transfer and Regulatory Support in Accessibility

In Linda’s Words:

“The other piece of that is technology transfer. As a researcher, if you have a discovery in accessibility, you want to be able to transfer that to industry. You're unlikely to be a manufacturer, able to implement that into something you can then market. So this aspect of technology transfer becomes really important. Sometimes you can have something discovered in research, and it never really gets adopted within industry.”

Accessibility research often yields groundbreaking discoveries, but getting these innovations into users’ hands requires more than scientific progress. Industry partnerships are essential for scaling and implementing these solutions. Regulatory support is equally critical, as it not only encourages industry adoption but sets standards that can make accessibility features more consistent and widespread. When regulations incentivize or require accessible features, companies are more likely to integrate them from the start, ensuring these solutions are available to more people sooner.

The “Curb-Cut Effect” and Broader Accessibility Benefits

In Linda’s Words:

“It’s the old curb-cut effect, right? When you have something accessible for people with a disability, it’s most likely going to be extremely useful for people in general. Captioning is probably a great example, probably the best example in the hearing space.”

The “curb-cut effect” is a reminder that accessibility features often benefit everyone, not just the communities they’re initially designed for. Just as curb cuts originally created for wheelchair access are now widely used by people pushing strollers or luggage, many accessibility tools have proven invaluable for broader audiences. Captioning, which started as a solution for people with hearing loss, has become an essential feature for viewers across different situations, from noisy environments to language learning. This effect highlights an important principle in accessibility design: inclusive tools enrich the experience for all users, often in ways that were unanticipated. Recognizing this broader impact can inspire developers and industries to prioritize accessibility.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Health

In Linda’s Words:

“I think understanding there is a relationship between the two is perhaps the first message. I don’t think people necessarily understand that well. It can frighten people because they think, ‘If I have hearing loss, I’m going to get dementia,’ or something like that. Understanding that taking steps toward better hearing—especially early on—will enhance both their experience and their lives.

Recognizing the connection between hearing and cognitive health is essential, but it doesn’t mean that hearing loss inevitably leads to cognitive decline. Instead, it’s an invitation to treat hearing as a key part of wellness. Taking early action, like using hearing aids, can help people stay engaged and socially active, which positively affects cognitive function. As research continues, understanding this link could help people prioritize hearing care as they age, seeing it as part of an overall approach to healthy aging.

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