Information reproduced
from the following source:
Clerc
Center of Gallaudet University
Getting A Deaf
or Hard of Hearing Person’s Attention
- Move into the person’s visual field
- Gently tap on the person’s shoulder
- Flick lights at slow/medium pace (doing so at fast pace may indicate
an emergency)
- Ask the individual other methods of obtaining attention that he/she
prefers
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What About Lipreading?
- Many deaf/hard of hearing people do not lipread well. Be sure to
ask the person if he/she is comfortable communicating in this manner.
Sometimes other methods of communication are more appropriate.
- About 70% of English is difficult or impossible to lipread; be ready
to substitute other words.
- Individuals with facial hair are more difficult to lipread than
those without.
- Be sure to eliminate food or gum from the mouth.
- Avoid smoking.
- Do not place hands or other objects near your face.
- Rephrase to avoid misunderstandings and situations where you are
misunderstood. Certain words are easier to hear or lip-read than others.
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Comfortable Communication
- Do not yell or talk loudly.
- Do not mumble.
- If the person prefers to use lipreading, speak normally and avoid
speaking too slow or too fast.
- Do not over emphasize your facial expressions or lip movements as
this can reduce communication
- Face the person and make eye contact when speaking.
- Utilize written communication.
- Use pictures and other visual aids.
- Take advantage of technology by typing back and forth on a computer
screen, using email, instant messenger or text messaging.
- Avoid excess background noise.
- Be patient and relaxed.
- If in doubt, ask Deaf or hard of hearing person ways to improve
communication.
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Using An Interpreter
- When using an interpreter, talk directly to the Deaf person, not
to the interpreter.
- The role of the interpreter is to convey what is being spoken or
signed; not to participate in the conversation or to give his/her
own opinions.
- An interpreter can only interpret for one person at a time.
- The interpreter should be located close to the speaker. This allows
the Deaf individual to see both the speaker and the interpreter easily.
- If possible, provide interpreters with copies of agendas, names,
scripts of presentations, which will prepare them for the meeting.
- Remember to talk to the Deaf or hard of hearing
person not about the Deaf or hard of hearing person
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Group Communication
- Before meetings or presentations, provide the Deaf or hard of hearing
employee with an agenda. This will make it easier for him/her to understand
and follow the event.
- A note-taker, visual aids and follow up correspondence can allow
greater accessibility to information.
- Arrange seating so individuals can see each other clearly.
- Upon speaking, raise your hand to signify it is your turn to talk.
- Only one person must speak at a time
- Avoid loud environments
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