Adopting the most appropriate communication strategy when communicating with a Deaf or hard of hearing person will help facilitate communication.

Sign Language

For some Deaf people using American Sign Language as their first language, working with a Sign Language Interpreter is the most appropriate communication support. Booking Interpreters for job interviews,meetings at work, training sessions and other events will ensure the Deaf person is receiving good access to information.

Lip-reading

In every day conversation many Deaf and hard of hearing people rely on lip-reading. This requires intense concentration and is very tiring. Many words are impossible to lip-read - in fact, at least 50% of lip-reading is guesswork. Below are just a few basic tips.

Face the Deaf person

Talk at a natural pace.

Use natural gestures.

Write things down (but don’t rely on it!).

Don’t shout

Smile and relax

Note-takers and Text-based Services

In the work place also consider note-taking as an aid to communication for Deaf people who do not use Sign Language. Real-time captioning — uses stenographic and laptop computer technology. A captionist types verbatim what each speaker says; this appears on a laptop computer monitor or is projected on overhead. Computerized note-taking  uses laptop computer technology. A note-taker types a live summary of each speaker’s comments; this, likewise, appears on a laptop computer monitor or is projected on overhead. Note-takers can also provide this service manually.

Negotiate with the Deaf or hard of hearing person which communication strategy works best for them.

For more information contact: symmetry@symmetrysolutions.ca