How to Interact with People with Disabilities
Deaf, Deafened and Hard of Hearing
Table of Contents
Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people face systemic barriers to communication and information everyday. But you can easily make a difference by removing these barriers in your interactions.
Hearing loss ranges from mild to profound. The distinctions between the terms “deaf”, “Deaf”, “deafened” and “hard of hearing” are based principally on the individual’s preferred language (spoken or sign) rather than on the actual degree of hearing loss. Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals may use hearing aids, cochlear implants or other assistive listening devices.
Match the definitions below with the correct terms.
- "A term that refers to members of a socio-linguistic and cultural group, whose first language is sign language. In Canada, there are two main sign languages: American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ)." (Match: Deaf)
- "A term that refers to individuals who have a hearing loss ranging from mild to severe (although it is sometimes profound) and use their voice and residual hearing and occasionally sign language for communication." (Match: Hard of hearing)
- Terms that refer to individuals who have lost all hearing at some point in their lives, use spoken language and rely on visual forms of communication such as speechreading, text, and occasionally sign language. Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals may use hearing aids, cochlear implants or other assistive listening devices. (Match: Deafened, late-deafened and oral deaf)
Language Options
Spoken Language
Deaf, deafened or hard of hearing people who use spoken language speak for themselves. Their residual hearing is often augmented by hearing aid(s), cochlear implant, or other assistive listening devices and/or speechreading.
Sign Language
The language of the majority of North American culturally Deaf people is American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a living and fully formed visual language. ASL has its own grammar and syntax (word order) distinct from spoken language.
Sign languages are rich languages capable of expressing the same scope of thoughts, feelings, intentions and complexities as spoken languages. Meaning is conveyed through signs that are composed of specific movements and shapes of the hand and arms, eyes, face, head and body posture.
Quick recognition that someone is deaf or hard of hearing is key to your interaction.
Be prepared to:
- use alternative ways of communicating
- ask questions (in writing) such as:
- Are you deaf?
- Do you use sign language?
- Can you speak?
- Do you read lips?
- Can we write back and forth?
- Use assistive listening devices
- Communicate in a well-lit area and do not restrict the person’s hands (needed for signing, writing or gesturing)
- Respect the person’s preferred way of communicating
Signs that a person may be deaf, deafened or hard of hearing
A person may identify that they are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing by:
- telling you (using spoken language) that they have a hearing loss and recommend the best way to communicate
- pointing to their ear and shake their head
- using a note pad and pencil or make writing motions in the air
- moving their lips without making any sound
- speaking with a noticeably unmodulated voice
- pointing to their hearing aid or cochlear implant
- using gestures
- being accompanied by an interpreter
- presenting a COMMUNICARD indicating a hearing loss
Tips for interacting and communicating with people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing
Communication:
- Talk to the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing person, not about him or her.
- Make and maintain eye contact.
- Face the person and communicate with him or her, not the interpreter.
- Keep your face clear for speechreading. Eliminate obstacles in front of your face (for example a mask), avoid chewing gum, and be aware that moustaches and beards can hinder speechreading for some people.
- Your visual attention, facial expressions and physical contact are all very important in creating a bond between you and the deaf, deafened or hard of hearing person.
- Keep facial expressions consistent with your feelings,and emotions; this is what the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing person sees and interprets. If deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people sense inconsistencies, it will confuse the communication.
- Don't shout; speak clearly and distinctly, and at a moderate pace.
- Give clues when changing the conversation subject.
- Rephrase, rather than repeat, when you are not understood.
- Avoid side conversations; although reassuring to hearing people, side conversation may cause deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people to feel they are missing important information.
- If you have trouble understanding a person with a hearing loss, ask him or her to repeat what they have said.
- Patience and flexibility are important when establishing communication with a deaf, deafened or hard of hearing person.
- Sign language involves the whole body and may look aggressive to you – using the whole body to express degrees of emotion and special concepts is part of the language and should generally not be considered a sign of aggression.
- Write down key phrases and words.
- Take advantage of technical devices that improve communication, such as the Pocket Talker, or a BlackBerry or other handheld device.
- Use professional, qualified sign language interpreters, and avoid, if possible, using unqualified, untrained, well-intentioned ‘signers’ or friends/family to fill the role of interpreter.
Physical Contact:
- Get the person’s attention before you speak, by using visual attention-getting strategies when calling a deaf, deafened or hard of hearing person. For example, tap the person’s shoulder to attract attention if his/her back is turned or wave in their peripheral vision if they are not looking in your direction.
- Avoid startling or frightening a person by doing anything unexpected from behind.
- When you restrict a person’s hands who uses sign language, be aware that their ability to communicate has been restricted .
Environment/Surroundings:
- The best spot to communicate is one that is quiet and well lit.
- The light source should be on your face, rather than behind you to make speechreading easier.
- Eliminate background noise (for example, sirens may interfere with communication).
Learn More
For detailed examples of some communication strategies for interacting with a person that is Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing, click here to be taken to our resources section.
For some examples of technology that a person who is Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing may use, click here to be taken to our resources section.
