On the Job Skills: Considerations for People with Disabilities
Rarely is a person completely deaf: Usable hearing varies greatly
Not everyone benefits from hearing aids: They only amplify, not make sound clearer
The life activity most affected is communication
Versatility is valuable. Communication takes many forms: pen and papers, typing on a computer monitor, learn some “survival signs”
Severity of loss may be different at various frequencies
People who are deaf or hard of hearing have different education levels
A person who uses American Sign Language (ASL) may not be proficient in English and vice versa
Someone not proficient in English is not stupid or illiterate
Deafness may or may not involve a cultural component
Varies depending on the person and the situation
Calling their name may be quite appropriate if the person has residual hearing
Lightly tap on the shoulder or lightly placing a hand on the shoulder.
Heavy touch / rapid tapping indicates urgency
Ask someone closer to tap them on the shoulder
Wave your hand and arm in the air
Hit your foot on the floor repeatedly or pound lightly on a table
Flash lights at a slow and steady pace. Rapid flashing indicates an emergency
Not all deaf people know sign language, or choose to use interpreters
Not everyone is a good lip reader
Lip reading skill has no correlation to intelligence
Not an exact skill: Only 25-30% of spoken English is visible in the lips
Enunciate clearly:
Do not yell or over enunciate
Remove objects from your mouth: cigarettes, pipes, gum
Keep hands or other objects from covering your mouth: Beard or mustache may interfere
Sit with a light source in front, not behind you
Many people who are deaf or hard of hearing are easily understood
Others cannot monitor volume/tone of their voice
May initially be hard to understand
Ask them to repeat it or to write it down
Ask in a respectful manner, not a condescending manner
Deaf people, like hearing people, vary in their communication skills
For many, American Sign Language (ASL) is the first language acquired and used
ASL is a recognized language with a unique syntax, grammar and structure ASL is not signed English
Some use sign language that is not pure ASL:
they may be combine some vocabulary of ASL with some grammar and syntax of English
American Sign Language is used in the U.S. and parts of Canada Sign languages are regional, not international Sign Language interpreters:
The need for an interpreter depends on the situation, the type of communication the people involved
Interpreters are a conduit for communication; they do not add information or alter the message
Communicate directly with the person who is deaf, not the interpreter
Many deaf people have the ability to speak, others do not. This is a personal issue involving many factors
Some people prefer to speak for themselves, even with an interpreter
Do not avoid using words or phrases like “hear” or “sounds good”
Facilitate direct communication for all parties
Improve communication accuracy and avoid misunderstandings
Decrease frustrations
Raise the “comfort level” of those interacting
Encourage more complete communication, so individuals feel free to ask questions and offer more in-depth explanations
Save time
Clarify non-verbal communication
Maintain eye contact with the deaf person, not the interpreter
Position so the deaf person can watch the interpreter and speaker
Address the deaf person directly, avoid phrases such as, “ask her…”or “tell him…”
The interpreter is bound by a Code of Ethics requiring them to interpret everything: signed or spoken
In serious situations, use of a deaf person’s close friend or family may be inappropriate because they are not neutral communicators
To get the services of an interpreter for an employee, that employee and other staff will need to be familiar with agencies, personnel procedures, and contracts if they apply. Note: Most agencies will need time to accommodate the request, and perhaps 3-5 days’ notice. Have the following information ready:
1. Date and time of meeting
2. Name of contact person and company
3. Addresses of company, including room number, zip code and nearest cross streets.
Parking location and fees, if any.
4. Telephone number, including extension and area code
5. State what the events is (meeting, job interview, etc.) and request any special circumstances: ASL interpreter, signed English, oral, etc.
What is one of the most common job tasks that an employee does?
Answer: use the phone!
Many employers and staff are not aware that there are common assistive technology devices and strategies to assist those who are deaf and hard of hearing with conducting business on the phone successfully. Telecommunications has “come a long way” and most people know that “phone calls” are not always made on a standard telephone! Think how often the computer is now used for communication. Email and Instant Message services are increasing in popularity. Video conferencing online is becoming more common. Pagers, radios, and cellphones are now widely-used in business. Did you know that special cellphones are available for those with hearing limitations? TTY phones and relay services are also becoming more common.
For those with hearing limitations, use of office equipment and devices may be challenging. The appropriate selection and provision of assistive technology equipment eases many job tasks. Sometimes the accommodation may only be to make use of special features in standard office equipment. Think of standard telephones with large keypads, flashing light signals, and both tone and volume controls. Voice amplifiers, alternative telephone handsets and small AT devices may be added to existing office equipment.
Relay services establish communication between hearing people who use voice phones and hearing or speech impaired people who use Telecommunication Devices for Deaf (TDDs) like TTY phones.
Call the relay voice number and give the operator the deaf person’s TDD number
The relay operator will be using both the telephone and the TDD while relaying communications between the deaf person and the hearing person
Speak at an appropriate pace since the operator will be typing
Say “GA” or (GO Ahead) to let the deaf person know it is their turn to speak
Be patient and recognize that typing takes longer than talking
Use voice carryover (VCO) or hearing carryover (HCO) through the relay service.
Use Speech-to-Speech relay service (STS) for Augmentative/Alternative communication
Use videoconference services and devices where signing interpreters may be utilized.
Use Interactive relay service (i.e. NexTalk, Wyndtell, Skytel)
Use NexTalk computer telephony services as instant messaging, email or relay service.
Instant Messaging and chat through regular public Internet services (i.e., AIM, Yahoo, MSN)
Use standard email services through the office computer systems or through popular Internet services like those mentioned above. Many people with hearing limitations use regular email providers just like those without limitations.
For more information, email info@acbvi.org, visit our website: http://www.acbvi.org or call ACBVI, Inc. (602) 273-7411