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Tips For Communicating With a Person With a Hearing Disability
By Jordy

  • Speak very clearly. Use a normal tone of voice, not too fast, but not too slow.

  • Make sure the person who is deaf can see your mouth. Blocking your mouth with objects or your arms should not be done, because then lip reading is almost impossible. Do not chew gum or other things.

  • Speak right in front of the person not from the side or back.

  • If you can't understand a person who is deaf, feel free to ask them to repeat what they just said. If that doesn't work, use a paper and pencil.

  • If you meet a person who is deaf that is with a companion, speak directly to the person, not the companion.

  • Ask how the person wants to communicate.

  • Before you start to speak, make sure the person is listening. A wave, a touch on the shoulder, or other visual signals will let him/her know you are ready.

  • If a person is lip reading, you should make eye contact. Don't turn your head or walk around. The person may think the conversation is over.

  • While you are writing a note for someone who is deaf, do not talk. It is hard for a person to read and look at what you are saying.

  • If you don't understand something the person says, ask them. Don't pretend that you understood it when you really didn't.

  • If you know any sign language try to use it. It may help them understand you better. 

Citations

Online Resources

"Communicating With and About People With Disabilities." U.S. Department of Labor; Office of Disability Employment Policy. 28 January 2005 <http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/comucate.htm>.

"Communicating With People With Disabilities." Access Office Disability Support Services; St. Louis Community College. 28 January 2005 <http://www.stlcc.edu/fp/access/Main/Communicating.html>.

"Communicating With People With Disabilities". Adaptive Environment Center. 28 January 2005. <http://www.dissvcs.uga.edu/com-peodis.htmlb>.

"Tips for People With Disabilities." ACPA Task Force on Disability Issues; University of Minnesota Crookston. 8 November 2004 <http://www.crk.umn.edu/people/services/DisabilServ/communication.htm>.

Images

Copyrighted clip art images from "Microsoft Office Online" <http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us&cag=1> (October-March, 2004-2005).  Clip art only available to licensed users for non-commercial purposes.

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