BID Services with Deaf people are urging retailers across the Midlands to be more Deaf Aware this festive season.
The call for more awareness about the communication needs of Deaf people has been generated in anticipation of the busy shopping days ahead and the pressure this will put on retail staff to deal with customers more quickly than they usually would.
“It can take time for a Deaf person to make sure they are fully understood and we are concerned that, in the busy shopping periods, retail staff will not have the time available to communicate effectively. For many Deaf people accessing mainstream services and retail outlets is problematic enough, but when combined with the pressures of Christmas shopping it can be a daunting experience.
Every year we are told about people’s bad experiences; customers shouting or becoming angry about the time a member of staff is spending with a Deaf person or shop assistants just ignoring them to serve a hearing person instead because communication is not happening at all.
These problems have existed for a long time but the Christmas rush makes things even more difficult. We are trying to raise awareness around improving communication and encouraging people to show more patience, understanding and make a few small changes that will make a big difference”, explained Henry Skinner, Campaigns and Information Officer at BID.
To help retailers make this difference BID have released their top 5 tips for enhancing communication with Deaf people. The information is taken from BID’s fully accredited Deaf Awareness Training course and gives simple advice and guidance;
- Don’t be nervous – try to be open and communicate naturally
- Use gesture and body movements to help explain where something is located or when directing someone
- Make sure the person has a good view of your face and the lighting is good - this helps with lip-reading and clearly shows your facial expression
- Reduce background noise and use your loop system – this is especially helpful for hearing aid users
- Have a pen a paper ready
BID are keen to stress that these are just a few things that can help to enhance communication with Deaf people and that there is much more that can be done to make things better.
Henry continued…
“It’s important that shop-owners and retailers understand that these are just a few hints and tips to get the ball rolling. They won’t solve all of the communication problems but will help to make their staff and Deaf people’s
Christmas and New Year much better and less stressful.
The most effective way to change things for Deaf people is to make sure staff are given recognised Deaf Awareness Training. This helps create a much better experience for Deaf customers and staff as they feel more confident and assured through developing new communication skills.”
Downloadable copies of the top 5 tips are available at www.bid.org.uk and www.deafculturalcentre.com.
For more information on this story or to find out more please contact:
Anthony Beeby
Campaigns Manager
BID Services with Deaf people
Deaf Cultural Centre
Ladywood Rd
Ladywood
Birmingham
B16 8SZ
Tel: 0121 450 7749
Email: anthony.beeby@bid.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
About BID Services with Deaf People:
BID works to support the Deaf community in the West Midlands. It has travelled a long way from its modest beginnings in the latter part of the 19th Century, when its prime function was "to provide relief to Deaf people and attend to their spiritual needs".
BID has developed a reputation for providing innovative, high quality services to meet the many and varied needs of Deaf people. Today BID provides Care Management, Deaf Awareness, Support & Advice, Interpreting Services, Youth Work, and Equipment Sales amongst a growing portfolio of services.
Successful partnership and funding arrangements have been developed with colleges, housing associations, trusts, businesses and other organisations, which has helped BID to become more effective in pursuing its aims and objectives.
But still BID depends to a large extent upon private and voluntary donations to continue its work. Whether it's providing toys and videos for young Deaf children, or supporting Deaf people through interpreting or advocacy, we still need help – contact the Fundraising Department on 0121 246 6100 for information on how you can help.