Innovation Heroes: Deaflympian Brooke Thompson on adaptive swimming tech

“Cochlear implants put me to where I am today. I can hear and I can speak. But for closed captioning, that has helped me on an educational platform where I can watch videos our professors will send out to us. And I also can do transcribe for notes and stuff so that it can transcribe what the professors are saying. And for strobes, that really put me on an equal playing field as all the other swimmers because I’m always the last person off the blocks until one day I got DQ’d.” —Brooke Thompson

When we think about accessibility, many of us imagine ramps or braille signs — things you can see. But the truth is, up to 80% of disabilities are invisible. That means millions of workers and students are navigating challenges most of us never notice.

In the latest episode of SHI’s Innovation Heroes podcast, host Ed McNamara sits down with Brooke Thompson, a Division I swimmer at Rutgers University, two-time Deaflympian, and SHI spokesperson who knows this reality firsthand. Through her inspiring journey — from Michigan lakes to the global stage — Brooke reveals how adaptive technology and relentless advocacy can level the playing field for everyone.

From the pool to the podium: Technology as an equalizer

Brooke’s story begins in the water, where swimming became more than just a sport — it became her platform for proving what’s possible. But getting there required overcoming barriers that most athletes never face.

“For strobes, that really put me on an equal playing field as all the other swimmers because I’m always the last person off the blocks,” Brooke explains. The flashing strobe at the starting block replaced the starter’s gun she couldn’t hear, allowing her to compete at the same level as her hearing teammates.

But technology’s role in Brooke’s success extends far beyond the pool. Cochlear implants enabled her to hear and communicate effectively. Closed captioning transformed her educational experience, allowing her to rewatch childhood movies and follow along with professors’ lectures. Bluetooth connectivity in classrooms and transcription tools for note-taking removed barriers that could have limited her academic success.

These aren’t just convenience features — they’re tools that unlock human potential.

The challenge of invisible needs

Brooke’s experience highlights a critical challenge facing organizations today: most accessibility needs aren’t immediately apparent. During the pandemic, when masks made lip reading nearly impossible, she witnessed firsthand how quickly invisible barriers can become overwhelming obstacles.

“I think it’s because sometimes people don’t believe that you may need this, or they don’t understand how it will help you,” Brooke says about why accommodation requests are often denied. “And the best way to combat that is just talking to that person and be like, why do you need this? Like, how does this help you?”

Her perspective reveals a fundamental gap in how organizations approach accessibility. Research shows that up to 74% of employees who request accommodations have at least one request denied, often because decision-makers don’t understand the genuine need or impact of these tools.

Building inclusive technology environments

For IT and business leaders, Brooke’s journey offers practical insights into creating truly inclusive environments. The key isn’t just compliance — it’s proactive communication and understanding.

“If they’re good at it and they’re communicative, it makes me feel very supported, and I just want to work even harder and try to stay in that organization,” Brooke explains. “But it’s also, it just allows more people to feel supported outside that organization, be like, this is someone that I can rely on or an organization I can rely on.”

Some of the technologies that have made the biggest difference in Brooke’s life are surprisingly accessible:

• Closed captioning for video content and virtual meetings
• Transcription tools for real-time note-taking and communication
• Visual alerts and notifications as alternatives to audio cues
• Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration with assistive devices

These aren’t expensive, complex implementations — they’re features that benefit everyone while being essential for some.

The business case for accessibility

Brooke’s partnership with SHI demonstrates how accessibility advocacy can drive business value. When organizations get accessibility right, it creates a ripple effect of trust and loyalty that extends far beyond compliance requirements.

“I also felt supported by SHI. Being seen from the golf tournament, being a standard bearer, that was a really cool experience and it’s just helped me ever since,” Brooke recalls.

With SHI supporting millions of end users through thousands of customers, and statistics showing that one in four workers may need some form of accommodation, accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s essential for business success.

Key takeaways for IT leaders

• Ask, don’t assume. Many accessibility needs are invisible. Create proactive channels for employees to communicate their needs without stigma.
• Start with communication tools. Features like closed captioning, transcription, and visual notifications benefit everyone while being critical for some.
• Focus on inclusion, not just compliance. When people feel genuinely supported, they contribute more and stay longer.
• Remember the ripple effect. Good accessibility practices build trust that extends to customers, partners, and potential employees.
• Technology can be an equalizer. The right tools don’t just accommodate differences — they eliminate barriers entirely.

Looking toward an accessible future

Brooke’s story reminds us that accessibility isn’t about ramps or compliance checkboxes — it’s about asking, listening, and building technology that works for everyone. When you do that, you unlock the potential of not just individuals but also teams, organizations, and society as a whole.

“I want to be remembered as someone who set a good example and left people smiling,” Brooke reflects on her legacy. For IT leaders, that’s both an inspiration and a challenge: to create environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of their visible or invisible needs.

Ready to make your organization more inclusive? Start by having the conversation. Don’t wait for someone to ask — make inclusion the standard.

Listen to the full conversation here. You can also find episodes on SHI’s Resource Hub, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, as well as on YouTube in video format.

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