Page 6 - Inclusion Etiquette Booklet: January 2018

Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing

“Capability isn’t linked to hearing loss; it’s linked to intelligence,
skills, education and experience.”

• Ask the person how they prefer to communicate.
• Avoid chewing gum when speaking to a deaf or hard of
hearing person.
• Speak directly to the person, not to the interpreter (if
present).
• Ask the person how to get his or her attention (tapping on
shoulder, waving).
• Use visual signaling equipment for incoming calls.*
• Use hands-on demonstrations to assist in training.
• Assign a mentor to work directly with deaf or hard-of-hearing
employees during the training period.
• Allow extra time for communication.
• Share informal information.
• Be sure to include all employees in work break activities and
social events.
• Use a Buddy System to alert deaf or hard of hearing
employees to emergency situations.
• Review Safety procedures, including exits and alarms
• Notify security if deaf or hard of hearing employees are
alone in work areas.

*ARS Access and Accommodations team will conduct a workplace
assessment and provide services and/or equipment to accommodate your
employee. For more information, go to https://goo.gl/RFos4A
or call 501-683-6052.

Source: 2017 Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical
Institute for the Deaf https://goo.gl/AJyGBb

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