Information Line (Freephone)
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
Telephone 0808 808 0123
Textphone 0808 808 9000
informationline@rnid.org.uk
RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.
Information for people working with deaf or hard of hearing volunteers
This information will help you recruit and work with deaf and hard of hearing volunteers.
One in seven people in the UK is deaf or hard of hearing and not all of them wear a hearing aid or use sign language. So you’ve probably worked with a hard of hearing volunteer already without knowing it. That’s why you should always communicate clearly.
- Communication tips
Most people with a hearing loss use speech. They may wear hearing aids and will lipread to follow what you are saying. - Types of communication support
Some deaf people need support to communicate. Not everyone who is deaf uses sign language. For example, some people prefer to use a notetaker (someone who types what is being said). - Equipment
Some people with a hearing loss can use a voice telephone if it has adjustable volume or is designed to work with hearing aids. Or if they wear a hearing aid they may be able to use a loop or infrared system to hear more clearly. - Deafblindness
A person who is deafblind has a combined hearing and sight loss that means they may have difficulty with communication, access to information, and mobility. About 24,000 people in the UK are deafblind. - Recruiting deaf or hard of hearing volunteers
- Interviewing deaf or hard of hearing volunteers
- Supporting deaf or hard of hearing volunteers
- Training deaf or hard of hearing volunteers
