Suggestions to Improve Positive Interactions:

• Speak clearly and distinctly.
  Do not exaggerate or slow down unless asked.

• Use a normal tone of voice.
  Provide a clear view of your mouth.

• If an interpreter is involved speak directly to the person with deafness.
  Do not speak directly to the interpreter. Learn more about the role and proper use of a sign language interpreter.

• Ask the person to repeat if you do not understand.
  If that does not work, use a pad and pen. Achieving communication is more important than the method.

• Avoid standing in front of a light source.
  This might silhouette your face, making it difficult to see.

• Use facial expressions, body language, and pantomime.

• Explain any interruption
  such as phone rings or a knock at the door before attending to it.

• Learn how to find an interpreter on short notice.

• Install a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)
  Install in the reception area. Advertise its availabilility and learn how to operate it properly.

• Encourage and support sign language instruction
  for all interested employees.

• Avoid such offensive terms as deaf and dumb, deaf mute, or the deaf.
  Use persons with deafness or persons with a hearing loss.

Additional Suggestions for Group Meetings or Training Sessions:

• Assign someone to take notes
  if an interpreter is not available.

• Use a round or oval table
  to allow for a good line of sight to all participants.

• Arrange for the person with the hearing loss to sit near the speaker
  in lecture situations.

• Remind the lecturers to avoid pacing or talking with his or her back to the audience.

• Maximize the use of visual aids,
  such as flip charts.

• For a larger meeting, an induction loop could be used.
  This loop is a length of wire that is placed around the selected area (where people who have a hearing loss will be seated). The wire is connected to an amplifier and to the speaker's microphone. The magnetic field within the loop of wire is picked up by the telephone switch setting on a hearing aid and changed to sound. This system can only be used by people who are able to use a hearing aid and have the telephone switch.

• A new method of transcribing oral communication is Real Time Captioning.
  A typist, using a computer and special equipment, enters the speech or presentation and the text is projected onto a screen for participants.

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VSA arts of Nevada Please direct questions and comments about VSA arts of Nevada to  meh@vsan.reno.nv.us

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