We created a list of do's and don'ts of how to communicate with a Deaf person for our tour of Self-Raising. Feel free to use the resource in your workplace and day-to-day life.
How to communicate with a Deaf person – Do
- Ensure good lighting on your face.
- Speak clearly.
- Speak at your natural pace.
- Make eye contact.
- Keep to the point.
- Use your natural gesture.
- Use writing if you get stuck.
- Remember that communication is a two-way thing.
- Just be you – don’t give up!
How to communicate with a Deaf person – Don’t
- Shout.
- Cover your mouth with your hands.
- Turn your back to them.
- Stand with your back to the light, making lipreading difficult.
- Chew gum or talk with your mouth full.
- Gesture wildly, waving your hands in front of your face.
- Exaggerate your lip pattern.
- Speak very, very slowly.
- Speak as you would to a small child.