Communication Tips

Everyday Deaf people experience communication barriers that can make accessing services and shops a problem.

This is because lots of staff don’t have the time available to communicate properly with Deaf and hard of hearing customers during busy times.  

As a result of this we regularly receive feedback about;

• Shop assistants ignoring Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers to serve a hearing person
• Deaf people not getting what they ordered or asked for because communication is not effective
• Other customers shouting, getting annoyed and upset because of the time staff are spending with a Deaf or hard of hearing person

            1.    Try to be open and communicate naturally

            2.    Use gesture and body movement to help explain where

                   something is located or when directing someone

            3.    Make sure the person has a clear view of your face and the

                   lighting is good - this helps with lip-reading and clearly shows

                   your facial expression

            4.    Reduce background noise and use your loop system – this is

                   especially helpful for hearing aid users

            5.    Have a pen and paper ready

            6.    Try not to use jargon – keep it short and simple

            7.    Do not shout

            8.    Do not exclude the Deaf person – address them directly

            9.    Be patient and make time to communicate

          10.    Don’t give up - if you are not understood the first time, try again

                   using a different method of communication

To help make communication better we are recommending 5 small things you can do to make a big difference when communicating;

One of the most important things to remember is to be patient.  Communication is always better between people when they are relaxed and calm.

To develop a full and well rounded understanding of Deafness and Deaf issues we would recommend a Deaf Awareness Training Course.

BID run fully accredited Deaf awareness courses. For information on the Deaf awareness courses available or for help and guidance about communication please email info@bid.org.uk