Working with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deafblind

Employees

State of Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of

Hearing

Why Are We Here?

More than 1/3 of the U. S. population has a significant loss of hearing by age 65.

An estimated 500,000 Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing people reside in WI.

Approximately 90% Deaf/HH are underemployed, 40% are unemployed.

Gain an understanding of culture and communication needs of Deaf and hard of hearing.

Learn how to provide accommodations and accessible services.

What do you call a person who can’t hear? Which terminology is appropriate? Definitions

Deaf: “D” focus on a group of people who share a language (ASL), common life experience, history, and values (culturally deaf). Cultural association.

deaf: “d” focus on inability to understand speech with or without an amplification. Disability association.

Hard of Hearing: refers to those who have some hearing, are able to use it for communication purposes, who feel reasonably comfortable doing so.

Deafblind: combination of varying degrees of both hearing and vision loss.

Using an appropriate terminology is a good indicator of respect and understanding.

Communication and Language

Deaf vs. hard of hearing Language preference Communication preference Cultural identity

Effects of linguistic differences Education system based on English language and

often not linguistically accessible. Exception: Residential Schools for the Deaf.

Issue of incidental learning. Our society norms and unwritten rules often not learned. Expected behavior and reaction may not be present.

The Deaf Individual

Language American Sign Language (ASL) ASL is a linguistically complete,

natural language that is different from English language.

ASL is a visual language while English is a spoken and written language.

Third most used language in USA. Modes of communication

Telecommunications technology Finger pointing and modeling is

accepted. 25 % of the English language is

visible on the lips

Deaf Culture

Components of the culture Language

ASL Speech not emphasized Heavy emphasis on eye contact and facial expression

Values Perception that deafness is a culture, not a disability Medical treatment for hearing loss is unwanted Independence highly valued

Customs Intermarriage Deaf children valued

Group loyalty

Cultural BehaviorsDEAF HEARING

Attention getting devices: flicker the lights, stomping feet, and throwing

things

“Hey!”

Party guests tend to congregate in the kitchen (better lighting, easier to see

everyone signing)

Living room

Long introduction rituals: where from? school? parents? Etc….

“nice to meet you”

Conversation regulators: head nods and specific gestures

“hmmm and uh-huh”

Eye contact Ear contact Facial expressions “poker face”

Pointing permitted (pronouns!) Pointing considered rude Hugging after introductions is common Shaking hands

Overstaying/long good-byes/DST Short stays/short good-byes Can “talk” with mouth full of food Considered rude

Perspectives On Deafness

CULTURAL VS. PATHOLOGICAL No Difference Intelligence Inferior

Slow Learner Learning disabled

Unlimited Abilities Limited A.S.L Language Speech and language

are confused Language deficient Language problems

Deaf Culture Culture Culturally deformed Isolated

Different way of communicating

Communication Communication disorder

Speech retarded Full range of abilities

Reasoning Can’t express abstract ideas

The Hard of Hearing Individual

Modes of communication Primary language: English Voice and lipreading Typically does not sign More likely to depend on technology to

maximize use of residual hearing

Self-Identification Perspective of hearing loss significantly

different than Deaf perspective. Tend to either immerse among hearing

people or form its own HH group to satisfy cultural/identity needs.

Often an overlooked group.

Hearing Loss

How hearing loss is measured Decibels (loudness)

How loud a sound must be to be heard

Speech Discrimination Of what you hear, how much is understood

Ramifications of Hearing Loss on English Competency

25% of English visible on the mouth Assumes knowledge of language being

spoken Sound alikes, look alikes Oxymorons Wide range of ability

Not dependent on degree of loss or intelligence Deaf “nod”

English Language

He could lead if he would get the lead out.

The bandage was wound around the wound.

Pretty Ugly Act Naturally Good Grief Found Missing

Communication Tips

Be aware of the environment. Make sure you get person’s

attention first. Face the person when speaking. Don’t expect the person to be able to

hear you if you speak towards his back. Maintain your voice level. Shouting often results in speech

distortion and it displays negative visual signal to the listener.

Be patient! If person nods head, don’t automatically assume he

understands you.

Note Writing

Keep the message short and simple. Don’t use “million dollar words” when a “one dollar word” will

work. Try to minimize using yes/no questions. Avoid incorporating two ideas into one sentence. Use visual representations and explanations when possible. For employment activities such as job interview, job

evaluation, training, and meetings; it is strongly recommended to ask the Deaf/HH person his/her accommodation preference. Often a Deaf person would prefer an interpreter and hard of hearing person would prefer a FM system.

Integrating Your Deaf or Hard of Hearing Employee

“From Application to Retirement”

Interviewing Persons Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Provide company literature & information BEFORE the interview.

Provide a summary of the interview process.

Inform the receptionist you are expecting a deaf applicant.

Provide appropriate accommodations as requested.

Paging devices Appointing a “buddy” Alerting devices Vibrations Alternative lighting Company related social activities

Working Effectively With Persons Who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Meeting Accommodations

Schedule meetings as far in advance as possible to allow time for arranging accommodations

Ask Deaf/HH employee their preference for seating arrangements

Provide any handouts BEFORE the meeting or allow time to look at handout before resuming discussion

Set up ground rules for turn taking ONE person speaking at a time

Avoid walking, or turning back to audience. Deaf/HH employee needs to see your face to enhance communication

Notetaking is not an appropriate substitute for an interpreter during a meeting Impossibility of watching & writing at the same time If extensive notetaking will be needed, designate a someone to "share"

their notes with Deaf/HH employee

Americans with Disabilities Act and Employers

Limitations on making inquiries about disability Employer cannot make any pre-employment inquiry Employer may ask about ability to perform specific

job functions With certain limitations, may ask individual to

describe or demonstrate how s/he would perform job functions

Americans with Disabilities Act and Wisconsin Fair Employment Act

Legal Requirements Covers employers

Undue hardship Applicant or employee is responsible to inform employer of

disability Individual with disability must be qualified for the job

Satisfy requisite skill, experience, education, other job-related requirements

With or without a reasonable accommodation

Americans with Disabilities Act

When must an accommodation be made? Every stage of process:

Job interview New employee training Benefits and company rules Staff meetings Continuing education training Job evaluation meeting Disciplinary meeting Transfer and promotion opportunities

Possible Accommodations

Myth of “one size fits all Sign Language Interpreter Assistive Listening Device Pocket talker Real-time captioning TTY Voice amplified phone Relay service VRS/VRI E-mail Instant messenger

Interpreters

Trained Professional

Qualifications Code of Ethics Liability of hiring

unqualified interpreters

Interpreting Services

Know how to arrange for interpreter services when needed Plan important meetings well in advance Treat the interpreter as a professional. If a meeting lasts over two hours, two interpreters may be needed. Provide good lighting Speak directly to the deaf person. Interpreters facilitate communication between hearing & deaf

individuals…they do not speak for the deaf person. Allow only ONE person to speak at a time Speak clearly & in a normal tone of voice.

Attitude is Everything!

More in common

than differences

Communication

takes two