Deafness or hearing loss affects around 11 million people in the UK. Communication between Deaf and hearing people is something most of the Deaf community will have experienced some difficulty with at one point or another.
Despite many people living with some form of Deafness, there are still communication barriers for them, which often results in discrimination against the community. There are several things we can do to close the gap between Deaf people and hearing people. This could be from learning sign language to just being mindful and accommodating of any additional needs a Deaf person may have.
Here, we look at some of the key things that will help facilitate better communication with your Deaf employees, customers and service users.
Five ways to improve your communication with a Deaf person
Having the ability to communicate with someone who is Deaf is often seen as a specialist skill when in reality, it’s something that anyone should be able to do with the right degree of understanding and knowledge. Instead of focusing on challenges, it’s important to recognise everything that Deaf people can bring to a conversation.
There are many different types and levels of Deafness, from mild hearing loss to being profoundly Deaf. Each person has their own unique set of circumstances, so take the time to ask how they prefer to communicate before making assumptions about their needs.
A little bit of preparation can go a long way in helping you communicate effectively with a Deaf person. To start off, it’s essential to understand that being Deaf is not an impairment – it’s simply another way of communicating. It’s also important to become aware of Deaf issues and understand how to facilitate better communication. Some of the things to keep in mind include:
Speak clearly
Try not to mumble, speak too loudly, or cover your mouth. Many Deaf people know how to lip read, which will be made more difficult if you over-enunciate or mumble as this distorts your lip movements.
Check for understanding
Look for signs that the person you’re talking to understands what you’re trying to communicate, just as you would in a conversation with a hearing person. Look out for nods of understanding or puzzled looks if they’re not quite sure what you’re saying. If the latter is the case, repeat or rephrase what you are saying and don’t be afraid to ask them how you can improve your communication.
Have positive body language
Again, in a conversation between two hearing people, you’d expect positive and open body language rather than being slumped over or with your back turned from the person you’re speaking with. The same applies when communicating with a Deaf person. Sit or stand face to face and maintain a good level of eye contact so they can see your facial expressions as well as your body language.
Learn the basic signs
Learning the British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet and basic signs will significantly improve the way you’re communicating with people. It will also show Deaf and Hard of Hearing people that you’re willing to have a conversation in their preferred method of communication too. Although learning sign language may seem intimidating at first, there are some really accessible resources out there that cover the basics. There are even online classes you can take or apps you can download which will help build your confidence in conversing via sign language. It’s advisable to seek out a Deaf tutor.
However, it’s worth noting that not all Deaf individuals use sign language, so make sure you ask them how they prefer to communicate before beginning a conversation.
Educate yourself on Deafness and the Deaf community
The more you can educate yourself and those around you, the easier communication will be for both Deaf people and hearing people. Researching the different ways Deaf people communicate such as sign language, lip reading and the use of hearing aids will help you better understand the needs of your Deaf friends, colleagues and the community as a whole.
British Sign Language courses & Deaf awareness training
Here at Sign Solutions, we offer a range of courses and services for both individuals and businesses to better improve the experiences and communication for members of the Deaf community.
Our team is committed to improving accessibility and combatting inequality. This is something we strive to achieve in-house and externally through our attitude, commitment and vital work. We don’t just provide communication solutions. As a team, we foster a culture which promotes inclusion, access and equality in all that we do.
To find out more about how we can help, contact us today on 0121 447 9620 or visit our contact page.
