Recruiting a Deaf Applicant: Words of Wisdom

[pcheftammy]

I have a potential recruit who is deaf. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me to help her along? She does read lips, but is a little difficult to understand when speaking.

 

[chefhorton]

There is a deaf consultant here in KY who does great. She reads lips a little, but relies mostly on ASL. My husband and I have a 3-year old son who is deaf and we run a statewide support network for families of deaf and hard of hearing children. I could provide you with some great resources if you and some of your cluster members wanted to learn a little ASL - you'd be surprised at how little you need to know to communicate effectively.
I will email the director that recruited Martha, our deaf consultant, and see if I can give you her contact info. She would be able to answer any questions that you might have.

 

[Admin Greg]

First of all, it's great that you are considering this potential recruit regardless of their hearing impairment. Here are some tips that may help you in supporting her:1. Use visual aids: When communicating with her, try to use visual aids such as written notes or diagrams to help her understand better. This can be especially helpful if she is having trouble understanding you when speaking.2. Be patient: It may take a little more time and effort to communicate with someone who is deaf, so be patient and understanding. Avoid getting frustrated or speaking too quickly.3. Use simple language: Keep your language simple and avoid using slang or complex vocabulary. This will make it easier for her to understand you.4. Face her directly: When speaking to her, make sure you are facing her directly so she can see your lips moving. This will make it easier for her to read your lips.5. Ask for her preferred method of communication: Every individual is different, so ask her what method of communication she prefers. Some may prefer lip reading, while others may prefer sign language or written notes.6. Educate yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about deaf culture and how to communicate effectively with someone who is deaf. This will not only help you in your interactions with her, but also show that you are willing to learn and accommodate her needs.Overall, the most important thing is to be understanding and accommodating. With a little effort and patience, you can create a positive and inclusive environment for your potential recruit.