Creating an inclusive workplace for everyone, including Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees, should be a priority for every organisation.
By making simple changes to your workplace, you can ensure that all your staff have access to the same resources and opportunities. This will help foster an environment where everyone feels included and respected.
It will also give your hearing employees a better understanding of what it’s like to be Deaf or Hard of Hearing in today’s world, so they can better communicate with their colleagues and create a more inclusive workplace environment.
It’s time to make sure that no one is left behind in your workplace.
Understanding deaf culture and communication
Deaf culture refers to the shared language, values, beliefs and traditions of individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It is a rich and diverse culture that has its own unique language and social norms. Deaf culture is an essential part of the identity of individuals who are Deaf, and it’s important for employers to understand and respect it.
Deaf individuals use a variety of communication methods, including sign language (usually British Sign Language, in the UK), written communication, lip reading and assistive technology such as video relay services and text messaging. BSL is a visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions and body language to convey meaning. Written communication can be used to supplement BSL or as a standalone communication method. Lip reading involves watching a person’s lips and facial expressions to understand what they are saying. Assistive technology such as VRS and text messaging can be used to facilitate communication between Deaf and hearing individuals.
Common misconceptions about Deaf culture and communication
There are several common misconceptions about Deaf culture and communication. One of the most significant misconceptions is that all Deaf individuals can lip read or read written English fluently. In reality, only a small percentage of Deaf individuals can lip read effectively and 80% is guesswork, and not all Deaf individuals have strong reading and writing skills in English grammar.
Another misconception is that Deaf individuals are unable to communicate effectively or lead successful lives. This is simply not true, as Deaf individuals are capable of achieving the same level of success as their hearing counterparts with the right accommodations and support.
So, it’s essential for employers to educate themselves and their employees about Deaf culture and communication to avoid perpetuating these misconceptions and promote a more inclusive workplace culture.
Five ways to create a more inclusive workplace culture
An inclusive workplace culture for Deaf and Hard of Hearing employees is essential to ensure that everyone feels welcome and respected in the workplace. It’s important to understand the unique experiences of Deaf people, and how to best support them.
Here are five ways you can create a workplace culture where Deaf and hearing employees can collaborate effectively:
Give all employees Deaf Awareness Training
Deaf Awareness training means that all employees can learn important facts, information, communication tips and BSL skills for use in social or workplace settings.
Talk to your Deaf employees
Opening up the conversation with your Deaf employees will mean any workplace adjustments you make will be in their best interests and with their input. That way, you know the changes you’re making will fit best to create a stronger workplace culture and environment.
Offer British Sign Language courses
Much like Deaf Awareness training, British Sign Language courses can do wonders for your organisation. By allowing your staff to learn even just the simplest of signs, you’ll open the doors of communication between your hearing and Deaf employees.
Make workplace adjustments
From hearing aid-friendly phone loop systems to captioned or interpreted meetings. Small changes in your organisation can mean your Deaf colleagues thrive in an inclusive environment rather than struggle with multiple barriers.
Bring in external help
Sometimes, what’s needed for an organisation to thrive and become more inclusive is external help from experts. At Sign Solutions, it’s our mission to “provide access and combat inequality by enabling people of different languages, cultures and communities to talk to each other”.
Creating a Deaf-friendly workplace culture also benefits the overall employee experience. It allows all employees to communicate with each other more effectively and encourages collaboration across different teams. Ultimately, this leads to improved productivity and better results for the organisation as a whole.
If you’re an organisation looking to become more inclusive and accessible for both your employees and customers, we can help.
With a range of training programmes and courses, including British Sign Language training and Deaf Awareness courses, we can work with you to make your business better.
For further details and advice, please phone 0121 447 9620, email bookings@signsolutions.uk.com, or contact us via a BSL video interpreter using InterpretersLive! via the website or App.
