Guide for Supporting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals

Personal Introduction

Hello and welcome,

My name is Lisa Marie Smith, and I have crafted this guide from a deeply personal perspective. I grew up hard of hearing and experienced a profound deafness in my early 30s, which significantly shaped both my personal and professional life. As a Special Education Teacher who has navigated the world both with and without sound, I understand the nuances and challenges of being part of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

This article is more than just a professional guide; it reflects my journey and is a tool crafted to support others in creating more inclusive environments. The strategies and insights shared here are from my personal experiences and professional expertise in special education and deaf awareness.

I invite you to engage with this material as passive readers and active participants. Whether you are a colleague, an employer, or just someone curious about making your environment more accessible, I encourage you to reach out with questions or for further discussion. We can broaden our understanding and implement practical steps toward a more inclusive society.

Thank you for reading and potentially enriching your perspective on supporting our deaf and hard-of-hearing friends, colleagues, employees, clients, or patients.

Warmest regards,

Lisa Marie Smith, MA, M,Ed, E.Ed. Candidate

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller

Understanding Deafness and Hard-of-Hearing

Deafness is a complete or near-complete loss of hearing. It often requires reliance on visual forms of communication, such as sign language. Hard-of-hearing individuals typically have hearing loss but can usually use residual hearing to process speech, with or without hearing aids.

Insights on Deafness and Hard-of-Hearing Communication

Understanding the nuances of hearing levels and the effectiveness of different communication methods is crucial in fostering an inclusive workplace. Here, we expand on the auditory spectrum, the complexities of lip-reading, and strategies for improving communication and inclusion.

"Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything." — Gordon Hempton, acoustic ecologist

Hearing Levels and Decibel Ranges

The ability to hear varies significantly across different decibel (dB) levels:

• 0-20 dB: Normal range. Soft sounds like rustling leaves or a whisper.
• 20-40 dB: Soft speech, background noise in a quiet room.
• 40-60 dB: Conversational speech. A normal conversation is around 60 dB.
• 60-80 dB: Background noise in a restaurant.
• 80-100 dB: Heavy traffic, lawn mower. Regular exposure to noise at this level can contribute to hearing loss.
• Over 120 dB: Jet engine at takeoff, sirens. Immediate and profound hearing damage can occur.

Communication Formats

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may choose from a variety of communication methods depending on their level of hearing, preferences, and the context of the communication:

• Sign Language: A rich, complex language that differs regionally, like American Sign Language (ASL) in the U.S.
• Lip-reading: Effective only under certain conditions, with varying degrees of success among individuals.
• Written Communication: Often used in professional settings for clarity and record-keeping.
• Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) include personal amplifiers that bring sound directly into the ear.

Etiquette for Interaction with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Colleagues

Proper etiquette not only respects individual preferences but also significantly enhances the effectiveness of communication. Here, we expand on the dos and don'ts to include considerations like using clear-view masks and appropriate gestures.

Do:

1. Confirm Communication Preferences: Ask the individual about their preferred communication method before initiating a conversation. This could range from sign language to lip-reading or using an assistive listening device.
2. Visibility and Lighting: Ensure that all meeting participants are visible to each other, which is crucial for those who use lip-reading or sign language. Adequate lighting is essential, so avoid backlit settings and ensure faces are illuminated.
3. Use Clear View Masks: When health guidelines require masks, use masks with a clear panel for lip-reading. These masks should be kept clean to ensure visibility.
4. Maintain Eye Contact and Be Expressive: Use natural facial expressions and gestures to convey your message more clearly. This helps provide context and emotional nuance, which can be very helpful.

Don't:

1. Cover Your Mouth: Whether with hands, masks, or objects, covering your mouth makes lip-reading impossible and can block facial expressions that carry a significant amount of communicative content.
2. Turn Your Back: Avoid turning away while speaking. Sound and visual cues help understand speech, and turning away can cause loss of this information.
3. Use Exaggerated Speech: Speaking too loudly or over-enunciating can distort speech and make lip-reading more difficult. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
4. Chew Gum or Eat: Eating or chewing while speaking can obscure your mouth and make it difficult for a lip-reading person to understand you.
5. Make Assumptions About Communication Needs: Do not assume that shouting or speaking slowly is beneficial. Instead, tailor your communication style based on the individual's feedback and preferences.
6. Use Complex or Unfamiliar Jargon: In a professional setting, ensure that any technical language or jargon is clearly explained, as these terms can be difficult to lip-read or interpret without prior context.

"My ability to hear does not define my ability to listen." — Anonymous

Types of Assistive Devices

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids: These rest behind the ear and amplify sound into an earpiece.
• Cochlear Implants: Surgically implanted devices that provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.
• FM Systems: Devices that use radio signals to transmit amplified sounds directly to the individual at a consistent volume, regardless of distance from the sound source.
• Captions: Real-time text displays of spoken words and sounds used in videos and live presentations.

Not all deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals utilize these technologies; some may rely entirely on visual communication methods like sign language.

Strategies for Clear Communication with Current Technologies

Effective communication in the workplace is crucial, especially when accommodating colleagues who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. By implementing up-to-date technologies and regular training, organizations can foster a more inclusive environment. Here are expanded strategies incorporating modern technological solutions along with traditional methods:

Regular Training on Deaf Awareness and Communication Tactics

1. Deaf Culture Workshops: Host workshops that educate employees on deaf culture, the diversity within the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and effective communication practices. This helps build empathy and understanding.
2. Communication Tactics Training: Provide training sessions focused on practical communication tactics such as sign language basics, appropriate ways to get a deaf person’s attention, and how to facilitate an inclusive meeting.

Technological Supports for Communication

1. Video Relay Services (VRS): Ensure that video relay services are readily available. VRS allows deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate over video telephones with hearing people in real-time via a sign language interpreter.
2. Text Telephone (TTY) Devices: While TTY technology is traditional, ensure that these devices are available for those who use them, especially in essential areas like emergency services.
3. Advanced Captioning Services: Utilize real-time captioning services during meetings and presentations, which convert spoken words into readable text on a screen. This technology is also crucial during virtual meetings and webinars.
4. Text Messaging and Instant Messaging Platforms: Implement and encourage the use of text messaging and instant messaging for quick and efficient communication within the office. These tools are invaluable for real-time communication without the need for voice calls.
5. Emails and Electronic Memos: For formal and non-urgent communications, ensure that emails and electronic memos are standard practice, allowing deaf and hard-of-hearing employees to access information conveniently and in their preferred format.
6. Mobile Apps with Speech-to-Text Features: Promote the use of mobile applications that can convert speech to text in real-time, aiding in-person communication between deaf or hard-of-hearing and hearing individuals.
7. Accessible Emergency Alert Systems: Update emergency systems to include visual alerts such as flashing lights alongside auditory alarms, ensuring that all employees are promptly alerted in case of an emergency.

By integrating these advanced technological tools with traditional methods and continuous training, organizations can significantly enhance communication accessibility. These strategies not only comply with legal requirements but also contribute to a culture of inclusivity, where every employee has the opportunity to perform to their best ability in a supportive environment.

Developing a Comprehensive Inclusion Plan for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals

A well-rounded inclusion plan is essential for creating a supportive environment that actively accommodates the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. Here are expanded details on how to implement such a plan effectively.

Regular Audits

Purpose and Frequency: Conduct accessibility audits bi-annually to ensure all communication facilities remain accessible and meet employees' evolving standards and needs. These audits should review both physical and digital accessibility, including:

• Physical Spaces: Ensure meeting rooms, common areas, and personal workspaces are accessible and conducive to sign language and lip-reading. Check for appropriate lighting, unobstructed views, and the availability of visual alert systems.
• Technology: Evaluate the availability and functionality of assistive listening devices, video relay service (VRS) setups, and other communication technologies that support deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.
• Emergency Systems: Verify that visual fire alarms and emergency alert systems are in proper working order and that evacuation plans are accessible to everyone.

Feedback Mechanisms

Implementation and Anonymity: Establish a robust system for collecting employee feedback about the effectiveness of communication and accessibility initiatives. This system should:

• Allow Anonymity: Enable anonymous submissions to ensure employees feel comfortable providing honest feedback without fear of repercussions.
• Be Easily Accessible: Use multiple channels for feedback, such as online forms, suggestion boxes in common areas, and regular surveys that include questions specific to accessibility concerns.
• Actionable Responses: Create a procedure for reviewing feedback and implementing changes. This process should be transparent, with regular updates provided to employees about what actions are being taken in response to their suggestions.

Training and Awareness

Continuous Education: Regular training sessions should be mandatory, focusing on:

• Deaf Culture and Etiquette: Educate employees on deaf culture and the best practices for communication to foster mutual respect and understanding.
• Use of Technology: Provide training on how to use communication technologies that assist deaf and hard-of-hearing colleagues, such as TTY, VRS, and captioning services.
• Legal Responsibilities: Inform management and HR teams of legal obligations under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring compliance and understanding of the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.

Integration and Inclusion Initiatives

Social and Professional Inclusion: Promote inclusion by:

• Mentorship Programs: Pair new employees with mentors who can guide them in navigating the workplace culture, including specific training for mentors on the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.
• Inclusive Social Events: Organize company events that are fully accessible, incorporating sign language interpreters and ensuring that all activities are inclusive.
• By implementing these comprehensive strategies, organizations can comply with legal requirements and demonstrate a deep commitment to creating a genuinely inclusive workplace. This approach leads to higher job satisfaction, better communication, and a more cohesive team environment.

"Embrace each sound and silence alike as unique opportunities to connect. Remember, communication is not just about hearing; it's about understanding, sharing, and transcending barriers. Let's strive to create a world where everyone feels heard, valued, and included, no matter how they communicate."

List of Notable Individuals

• Helen Keller: An author and activist who was deaf-blind, advocating for people with disabilities.
• Thomas Edison: The great inventor who was hard of hearing utilized his condition to focus deeply on his experiments.
• Nyle DiMarco: A model, actor, and deaf activist who promotes sign language and deaf culture.

References and Resources

For further reading and credible resources, consider visiting:

1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
2. Gallaudet University's Technology Access Program (TAP)

Conclusion

In embracing the strategies outlined in this guide, we open the door to a world of inclusivity, understanding, and mutual respect. By actively engaging in positive communication practices and creating environments that accommodate the diverse needs of our colleagues, clients, and friends who are deaf or hard of hearing, we enrich our professional spaces and enhance our interactions.

This journey towards inclusivity is not just about implementing new policies or learning sign language; it's about fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard. It's about building bridges across the silence, using respect and understanding as our foundation stones. The positive impact of these efforts extends beyond the confines of any office or institution—it ripples out into the wider world, promoting a culture of acceptance and empathy.

Let us all commit to these changes, not out of obligation but from a genuine desire to make our world more inclusive. Let this guide serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action, reminding us that when we support and uplift one another, the potential for growth and harmony is boundless.

Let's continue to break down barriers and celebrate the richness that diverse abilities bring to our collective experience. Here's to a future where everyone's voice is heard and every communication is a bridge to deeper understanding.

Disclaimer:

This guide is written from my perspective, drawing on my experiences and professional background. We strive to provide accurate and current information. However, the content presented here may evolve and be updated over time. Our content creation process also utilizes AI technologies to enhance readability and user engagement.

It's important to conduct your research to ensure that the strategies and recommendations meet the specific needs of those within your organization, agency, or business. Please independently verify the relevance and accuracy of the information provided before implementing it in any particular context.