Communicating with Deaf people isn’t only about signing. If you can’t sign, it doesn’t mean you can’t communicate.
Here are some basic tips to get you started:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
Face the Deaf person and speak clearly at a natural pace |
Shout or speak too quickly/slowly or over exaggerate |
Use natural gestures such as pointing or drawings |
Turn around, move or look away |
Make sure your face is in good light |
Stand with a window or bright light behind you |
Make sure the Deaf person knows what you are talking about (the topic) |
Change the topic without telling the Deaf person |
Repeat and rephrase |
Shout or cover your mouth |
Use pen and paper if you get stuck |
Give up or feel embarrassed |
Relax |
|
Deafblind:
Deafblind people communicate in different ways. Some Deafblind people have a narrow field of vision such as no peripheral vision, some are only able to see one or two metres whereas others have blurred or no vision at all. Ask the Deafblind person what is the best way to communicate with them such as sitting closer or using signs in a smaller signing space (within the frame of your body) or using tactile signs or spelling out words on their hand.
http://blindfoundation.org.nz/about/member-services/deafblind-services