RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Deaf and hard of hearing people communicate in many different ways

However your client communicates, make sure you:

  • Speak as you would normally, don't shout or exaggerate your lip movements. 
  • Maintain eye contact with the client when you are speaking, but be aware that if they are using an interpreter or lipspeaker this is who they will be looking at whilst you speak. 
  • Always speak directly to the client, even if an interpreter is present.

If you are planning a meeting with a deaf or hard of hearing person, you should:

  • Establish the preferred method of communication. For example, British Sign Language (BSL), lipreading, loop system, speech.
  • Arrange for an interpreter or lipspeaker to be present if needed (you may need to allow several weeks for this), and keep the client informed of progress.
  • If appropriate, make sure you tell the client that an interpreter will be present - if you know the name of the interpreter tell them this too. 
  • Use plain English in written communication. For many deaf people English is not their first language. 
  • Let the client know before the meeting what things will be discussed so they can prepare. You could do this when you first write to the client. 
  • Make sure the room you meet in is quiet and well lit. Remember to ask the client where they would like to sit.