For the fully abled person, interacting with a disabled individual can result in awkward and sometimes even offensive behavior. These interactions can be made even more difficult when there is a perceived communication barrier, such as in the case of the deaf and hearing impaired.

1. Communication Breakdown: A Guide to Interacting with the Deaf and
Hearing Impaired
For the fully abled person, interacting with a disabled individual can result in awkward and sometimes
even offensive behavior. These interactions can be made even more difficult when there is a perceived
communication barrier, such as in the case of the deaf and hearing impaired.
While these encounters can seem stressful to the hearing person, who is not fluent in American Sign
Language, there are a few things they can do and be aware of as they interact that will remove the
awkward moments and leave both parties feeling comfortable and self-assured.
Relax and Be Yourself
First, it is vital that you calm down. Becoming stressed and anxious about the interaction will only
increase the likelihood that you will fumble or behave in a manner which may be offensive to the other
person. Those who are deaf and hearing
impaired will be fluent in ASL, but they
also read and write your language. You
have means of communication available
to you even if you are unable to vocalize
your interaction.
Remember that you do not need to
raise your voice or speak ridiculously
slow. The other person can tell that you
are shouting or slowing way down. If
they are deaf, it will not matter how
loud you speak, they won’t be able to
hear you either way. Many people who
are hearing impaired know how to read
lips and IF they need to you to repeat
something that you have said too
quickly, they will ask you to do so. It is
very condescending to automatically
assume that they have no means by
which to understand you.
When it comes to ASL, if you know or
understand the language at all, feel free to utilize what language skills you do have. Like with any
language, native speakers understand that every one may not be fluent in their language, and are
usually very forgiving to those who are attempting to communicate in the language. Take your time as
you go, and be honest about words you don’t know, or anything they have said that you don’t
understand.

2. Writing is Okay
Do not be afraid to resort to pen and paper. As I have mentioned before, the deaf and hearing impaired
who are familiar with ASL understand that not everyone speaks the same language that they do. Unlike
with French or Chinese, individuals who are native to ASL happen to read and write the same language
that we do; English. Neither you nor the individual with whom you are attempting to communicate will
be diminished if you admit that you do not speak the same language. Your honesty allows both of you to
communicate with respect and dignity, immediately removing both of you from having to resort to base
gestures that the other may or may not understand.
At the end, the key to a positive experience is respect. Respect yourself enough to communicate
effectively, and respect them enough to know where your limits are. Don’t waste your time or theirs by
attempting to resort to silly and awkward antics that may or may not communicate what you need
effectively.
Telephone communication with the deaf or hearing impaired presents an entirely new set of hurdles to
overcome, but can be made easier with the help of the right equipment. Caption Call has all the
information you need to help you find the best hearing loss phones.