Treat Deaf People Just As You Would Like To Be Treated
When in doubt, just follow the golden rule. Deaf people are people that just speak a different language, so one way to treat them would be just like someone who simply doesn’t speak the same language as you. You can help them out when it comes to access to communication, but don’t engage in hand-holding or making decisions for them. Give them information and a choice.
Access To Communication
Deaf employees working in retail can be just as helpful as their hearing counterparts. In order to facilitate their success, they should be equipped with some way to communicate with hearing customers either via a notepad or an app on their phone to name a couple of examples.
They should also have some way to show that they speak sign language e.g., a name tag. It may also be helpful to have something on their back as well. This is just to avoid the impression that the Deaf employee is ignoring any verbal communication from hearing customers.
Some Deaf people are comfortable voicing for themselves, which may be an option to aid in communication. You can check to see what they are comfortable with and if it may help them on the job.
Deaf employees should also have access to emergency messages. For example, flashing lights should accompany any alarms. Emergency messages should be conveyed via text and coworkers should be mindful during an emergency to try and make sure everyone is aware of the emergency.
Provide Interpreters
Interpreters bridge the language gap for the Deaf and make things go very smoothly, which can be crucial during training and important meetings. If your company has more than 15 employees, then you are likely required to provide an interpreter during trainings and meetings. If training videos are used, then make sure they have closed captioning (subtitles) for the Deaf.
Providing an interpreter can be done with an onsite interpreter (preferred by most Deaf people) or if it is a quick meeting then a Video Remote Interpreter (VRI) may be just what you need. Onsite interpreters charge a 2-hour minimum, so if it’s just a quick conversation, then it may make more sense to use a VRI. All you’ll need is Skype, FaceTime or some other similar video calling app and a good internet connection. You just connect with the interpreter so the Deaf employee and the interpreter can see each other. Then the interpreter will sign what is being said and voice what is being signed by the Deaf employee. This is also a great option if you are in a rural location with little access to onsite interpreters.
You aren’t expected to provide a full-time Sign Language interpreter as part of the regular course of their job. There are ways to make the workplace more accessible to reduce dependence on interpreters. If possible, have the Deaf employee exchange cell phone numbers with coworkers and management so they can text for easy access to communication. This will help to avoid misunderstandings and provide them with quick feedback in order to help them succeed on the job. They can also carry a pen and notepad in order to communicate as needed.
Video Relay Service
If the employee is going to be making calls for work, then you should make sure they are set up with a Video Relay System at their desk. This will enable them to place calls as well as speak to coworkers (as long as they are in a separate room) and outside customers as part of their normal job function. We also offer Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for in-house meetings.
Should you have any more questions, we’d be glad to help.
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