I took the liberty of taking this document and adding /hoh after deaf so it includes both deaf and hard of hearing. I am currently experiencing challenges in my work environment - I'm certain this is not the norm. I'm staying proactive and keep moving forward, but it's not a good place for anyone to be in. If I can help someone understand the challenges by posting this... I've done my part.
Communication is a two way street!
HOW TO UNDERSTAND &
RELATE WITH DEAF / HARD
OF HEARING (hoh) PEOPLE
DO:
*Learn the
manual alphabet and sign language. Even a little helps!
*Make sure you have the attention
of the deaf/hoh person before communicating.
*When communicating, focus your attention on the deaf/hoh person.
If a hearing person comes and interrupts, first excuse yourself a moment,
before turning away from the deaf/hoh person.
*Use facial expression and natural mouth movement.
*If
communicating with someone who can lip read, speak slowly and clearly
with a normal tone of voice.
*If possible, include the
deaf/hoh person in the conversation when a hearing person
joins. No one likes to be left out.
*Help the deaf/hoh person to feel comfortable during social gatherings.
Introduce them to your hearing friends.
DO
NOT:
*Don't refer to the deaf/hoh as "deaf & dumb", or as
"deaf-mute's"
*Don't insist that the deaf/hoh person try and talk.
*Don't place your hands in front of your face or lips when
communicating with the deaf/hoh. Your face and lips give the deaf many clues to
meanings they must see!
*Don't turn away from the deaf/hoh person when communicating.
*Don't talk down to a deaf/hoh adult. Don't be
paternalistic and assume you know what deaf/hoh people need or want.
*Don't stare at the deaf/hoh person -- it is rude in any culture!.
*Don't persist in helping the deaf/hoh IF it is not needed. Help, Yes! Embarrass, NO!
*Try and find out the interests and opinions of the deaf/hoh and
allow them to express themselves freely.
*Don't become discouraged if you have difficulty learning sign
language well. Don't be afraid to ask the deaf/hoh person to sign slowly, just
as you must talk slowly when speaking.
*Don't complain if a deaf/hoh person needs your assistance with a
phone call.
*Don't forget about deaf/hoh people at meetings. They can "take an active part"!
REMEMBER:
*Some deaf/hoh have their doctorate degree, and some
have excellent reading ability. But remember that not hearing the sounds, has made it very difficult for the average
deaf person to learn vocabulary and grammar. The average
reading level of the average deaf is about grade 5 (more or less). Keep this in
mind and learn the approximate reading level of the deaf person, and work with
that level.
*Deaf/hoh people are often discriminated against in the work place.
Not only is the unemployment rate higher, but often being
passed by for promotions, often leaves deaf/hoh under paid, and under-employed
(and sometimes also frustrated!)
*The "Deaf World" has its own culture with
what is accepted and not accepted! On the one hand you often
find more hugging, on the other, the deaf world does not "pussy foot
around" like the hearing, but may be much more blunt and frank about
expressing opinions, likes and dislikes!
*Deaf/hoh have often been left out, mistreated,
controlled and manipulated by the hearing world. Underneath there may be a high
level of distrust, until you have proved your love, responsibility and
reliability, and that you are not there to control and manipulate them but to
accept them as equal individuals to you.
*Deaf "Signs" will
vary from place to place just like a Newfoundland or New
York or Southern "accent". Signs will vary somewhat around North
America.
*Deaf may be unaware of things you think are common
knowledge. Remember, they often have missed hearing many of the little
do's and don'ts as a child from around home, as well as much of the background information
you picked up by
over-hearing conversations as a child.
Courtesy to: http://www.deafhope.org/do&dont.htm
