Published in The Bunyip August 2008
Hearing Awareness Week - 24-30 August 2008
Transcript - Communicating with deaf people
There's nothing as frustrating as not being able to hear and this is especially so for late-deafened people.
Deafness is something which can't be seen and because of this communication often causes frustration both for the deaf person and the speaker.
You can help. These are some tips about how to help communication with a deaf or hard of hearing person.
ATTRACTING ATTENTION
- Ask how best to attract their attention so you don't startle them
- Make sure you walk into their line of vision so they will know to look at you
- Don't call out from another room because deaf people often can't tell where sound is coming from
- Don't talk to a deaf person while they are on the phone, wait until they are finished
- Find out if there is a 'good' side for the deaf person and sit on that side to make it easier
SPEAKING
- Position yourself in front so they can watch and get extra help from lip reading and body language
- Speak normally, clearly and don't mumble
- Speak a little slower, but do not over emphasise words, this makes lip reading more difficult
- Rephrase your comments using different words to help understand the meaning
- Don't cover your mouth, look or walk away while you speak
- Don't speak while there is competing noise
OTHER WAYS
- Write notes, memos or email to confirm specific instructions
- Encourage the deaf person to confirm specific instructions in writing to demonstrate they have understood the requirements
- Learn a little sign language, it's fun and your deaf colleagues will appreciate your thoughtfulness
- By Felicity Bleckly, BellaOnline's Deafness editor