Communication, Best Practices & Technology for working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumers Presentation by Heather West, BA, NIC Professional Relations Liaison Sign Talk, LLC

Culture & Communication

D vs d D = Culturally Deaf / ASL user d = Medical view/hearing loss/disabled

Deaf Culture Members Deaf People CODAs Interpreters Deaf People CODAs Interpreters © 2015 SignTalk LLC

D/deaf & Hard of Hearing Identities & Communication Preferences o Most prefer the term “Deaf or Hard of Hearing” and NOT the term “Hearing Impaired” o Communication preferences will depend on: Complexity of interaction Family background Type of schools attended Degree of hearing loss Assistive devices used o Ask the consumer their preferred mode of communication for EACH setting © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Modes of Communication American Sign Language (ASL) Pidgin Signed English (PSE) Signed Exact English (SEE) Visual Language Systems Lipreading/Speechreading Writing/typing notes Gesturing/Pantomime Other visual communication modes Print-on-Palm Tracking Tactile Sign Language Tactile Communication (Deaf-Blind Consumers ) © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Print on Palm © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Requesting Interpreting Services MEET INTERPRETERS CONSUMERS Skills & Experience Needs & Preferences © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Sign Language (ASL, PSE, SEE) Tri-Lingual Interpreting Deaf-Blind Interpreting Oral Interpretation Deaf/Hearing Team © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Every Country has their own Sign Language! Variations

Best Practices © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Submitting a Request To ensure consumer’s needs and preferences are met, provide the following information: Date, time, duration, and location On-site contact and phone number Job description ◦Type of appointment ◦Consumer’s name and basic info ◦Consumer’s mode of communication ◦Consumer’s preferences and special needs ◦Number of interpreters needed © 2015 SignTalk LLC

The interpreter should be positioned in a well-lit area with clear visibility by consumers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The interpreter should not be requested to stand in front of a window or other lighting source which would cause distracting shadows and eye fatigue. When using the services of an interpreter in a one-on-one situation such as a small meeting or private appointment, the interpreter should sit slightly behind and to the side of the speaker, allowing the consumer to see both the speaker and the interpreter. © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Positioning © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Speak clearly, in a normal tone and at a natural pace. Do not exaggerate lip movements. Avoid speaking in third person. Address the person who is deaf or hard of hearing directly and avoid phrases like "tell her" or "ask him." Realize when the interpreter says, "I" or "me," that those are the direct words of the consumer who is Deaf or hard of hearing, not the interpreter. Do not speak privately to the working interpreter, as everything you say will be conveyed. Even though the deaf person’s eye gaze may be mainly with the interpreter, look at the individual while speaking so that he/she may make eye contact with you at appropriate times. © 2015 SignTalk LLC

To gain your consumer’s attention: ◦Wave your hand or gently tap the person’s shoulder Face the person and do not turn away while speaking. Look and speak directly at the consumer (not the interpreter). Avoid covering your mouth or chewing gum while talking to the person. Do not rush your words, please speak at a natural tone and pace. ◦If your natural tone is soft, don’t shout but speak up. ◦If your natural pace is fast, do not speak slow but slow down a bit. If multiple parties are in the room, speak one at a time. Use short sentences, pause for acknowledgement. © 2015 SignTalk LLC

While an interpreter arrives, you may offer written communication as a temporary, immediate means of support. When writing notes, remember that for individuals who use sign language, English may be their second or third language, thus making information difficult to comprehend. Be mindful of your word choice and avoid using idioms. Keep in mind the average Deaf adult reads and writes English at a 3 rd grade level (but their comprehension in ASL is generally at a much higher level). Use as many visual aids as you can ie: maps, charts, pictures, gestures etc. when communicating. © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Assistive Technology © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Older Technologies TTY/TDD Relay Service © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Video Phones © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Video Relay Interpreting © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Devices for Hard of Hearing Consumers Caption Phones Other Technology: o T Loop Systems o FM Systems © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Making your Organization Accessible Closed Captions Flashing Fire Alarm Open Captions © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Assistive Devices in the Home Doorbell Flasher Alarm Clock © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Assistive Devices in the Home Phone Flasher Baby monitor © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Advertise your Accessibility! Sign Language Interpreter Closed Captions T Loop © 2015 SignTalk LLC

Resources Video Phones & Video Relay (Free for Deaf Consumers): o Convo Relay o Purple Communications o Sorenson VRS o Various others Video Remote Interpreting (Fee for Service): o Access Interpreting Inc. o Communication Services for the Deaf o Many Others Other Assistive Devices: o Harris Communications (HarrisComm.com) o Hearmore.com © 2015 SignTalk LLC

SignTalk ® Our Clients enjoy: ◦Affiliation with a reputable organization (Inc 500) ◦Quality of Services and Excellent Customer Service ◦Free in-services ◦Assistance with ADA Compliance ◦Assistance in coordinating referrals & logistics ◦Long Term Partnership ◦Competitive rates ◦Invoice transparency ◦Expenditure reports ◦ACCESS TO OVER 1000 NATIONWIDE PROFESSIONALS … © 2015 SignTalk LLC

SignTalk ® is dedicated to providing qualified Sign Language Interpreters in order to facilitate communication between hearing, Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of- hearing individuals © 2015 SignTalk LLC