The Deaf community has been historically underrepresented and underserved in the workplace. This is slowly starting to change, but there is still a long way to go in terms of making workplaces across the UK completely accessible and inclusive for Deaf people.
Members of the Deaf community, whether they’re profoundly Deaf or Hard of Hearing, continue to experience issues with audism – the belief that the ability to hear makes one superior to those with hearing loss – in the workplace. Businesses need address this and become more inclusive and accessible by making the necessary workplace adjustments to improve communication. It’s crucial that the workplace is adjusted to the needs of Deaf employees.
One of the most important things employers can do to accommodate Deaf staff is to provide access to clear and concise communication. This means making sure there are adequate methods for conveying information between Deaf employees and their hearing co-workers, such as using sign language interpreters, providing written materials in accessible formats or through technological solutions like captioning.
Another important consideration is ensuring that the physical environment of the workplace is conducive to communication and collaboration between deaf and hearing employees.
This may include making sure that meeting rooms have good lighting so that sign language can be easily seen or providing assistive listening devices to help amplify sound in noisy environments.
Here, we take a look at the importance of workplace adjustments and some of the things you can do to make your business more accessible and inclusive for Deaf employees.
Making these simple adjustments can go a long way toward ensuring your Deaf employees have an equal opportunity to excel in the workplace.
Workplace adjustments you can make as an employer
There are several reasons why workplace adjustments are important for Deaf people. First, without workplace adjustments, Deaf employees may have difficulty communicating with their co-workers and supervisors. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Second, workplace adjustments can help Deaf people participate fully in work activities and feel included in the workplace community. Finally, workplace adjustments can help improve the quality of life for Deaf people by providing them with greater access to employment opportunities.
As an employer, it is important to be aware of the needs of your employees. If you have a Deaf employee, there are a few adjustments you can make to make their workplace more accommodating.
Interviews & hiring
From the very start of a hiring process, there are certain adjustments you need to make for any Deaf candidates that have applied for a role. During interviews you may need to hire a BSL interpreter, ensure you speak clearly, use body language and eye contact, and limit background noise.
Learn basic signs
Learning the British Sign Language (BSL) alphabet and basic signs will significantly improve the way you can communicate with Deaf colleagues. It will also make them feel more included and valued as an employee.
Phone systems
Hearing aids are used by around two million people in the UK. By installing phones in the office that can accommodate employees who rely on hearing aids, you’ll create more accessibility when an employee answers or makes a phone call.
Events
If you’re hosting an event with external or internal speakers and have Deaf employees in attendance, hire a BSL interpreter. This will ensure communication is smooth throughout any talks and break-out meetings for both your hearing and Deaf employees.
Workplace meetings
Relying on video conferencing is great when your team works remotely, but it can cause challenges for Deaf employees who rely on lipreading. It’s best to communicate with any Deaf employees to identify how to avoid these barriers to communication.
Deaf Awareness Training
Deaf Awareness Training will allow all your employees to learn communication techniques and to understand technology used by the Deaf community, making for a better workplace environment for everyone.
Where can I find a BSL Interpreter?
With millions of Deaf employees across the UK, employers must ensure they’re making the correct workplace adjustments to meet their employees’ needs for a better, more inclusive work environment.
We provide BSL interpreting and translation services in-person or online, plus expert consultancy, to help ensure your organisation is as accessible as possible.
All the skilled BSL interpreters we work with are DBS-checked and NRCPD-registered and can provide a high-quality service to Deaf people across the UK.
Remember not all Deaf people communicate using British Sign Language, so Sign Solutions can help provide a Speech to Text reporter, Palantypist and other types of communication support to meet any requirement.
To find out more, and for expert advice on which type of communication support will meet your needs, give us a call on 0843 178 0773, email bookings@signsolutions.uk.com or contact us via a BSL video interpreter.
