This website is a place where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind people can learn skills and get connected to the world of work

General Tips for Employers of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind People

Job and Meeting Tips

ASL Use these tips combined with those above to assist you in communicating with someone who is Hard of Hearing.

  • Allow only one speaker at a time, and a visual tool to indicate the speaker can be beneficial
  • Be sure you have been introduced before beginning
  • It may take longer for a person who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind to read distributed materials. Please allow time for this.
  • Deaf-Blind will need interpreters for tactile
  • Raise hands or use visual cues to take votes
  • Test equipment before the interview to be sure it is ready
  • Cell phones and pagers should be turned off or set to vibrate.

Using Interpreters

ASL These tips combined with the general tips above will help in communicating specifically with people who are Deaf.

  • Speak clearly at a natural pace
  • Speak to the person who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind, not the interpreter
  • Avoid saying to the interpreter, "Ask him/her"
  • Keep in mind that when the interpreter says "I" or "me," this is coming from the person who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind and not the interpreter
  • Realize that the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind person will maintain eye contact frequently with the interpreter rather than you, as they must watch the sign language
  • In meetings which can last for several hours or involve extensive dialog, it is advisable to use at least two interpreters in order to avoid fatigue
  • The interpreter should be placed in a well-lit area but not directly in front of light sources, such as windows or lamps.
  • If a conversation is one-on-one, it is preferred to have the interpreter sitting near the speaker so that the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind person may see both people at once
  • On stage or during presentations, the interpreter should be placed near the speaker
  • If a Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind person is the speaker during a presentation involving a large group, the interpreter should be provided with a microphone Deaf-Blind TipsThese tips combined with the general tips above will help in communicating specifically with people who are Deaf-Blind.
  • Use black felt pen to print big
  • When writing, keep sentences short and with minimal complex vocabulary
  • Be sure to speak to the Deaf-Blind individual, not the interpret