Deaf Awareness
- What is Deafness?
- Explaining Deaf Culture
- Environmental aids & equipment
- Introduction to body language, gesture, lip-reading and facial expression
- Interpreter's services
- Finger spelling
- And much more...
Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
The training is designed for anyone who deals 'face to face' with the general public.
Participants will learn how to communicate effectively with Deaf and hard of hearing people, gain an understanding of the relevant equipment and work towards developing 'best practice' skills when dealing with Deaf and hard of hearing people.
Walsall Deaf Peoples Centre will assist participants to understand the varying degrees of hearing loss and culture.
Deaf Awareness Training will assist you to meet some of the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act Part III goods and services, by enabling knowledge and understanding of access and service issues relative to your area of work. Helpful Steps to Aid Communication
- Make sure that you have the deaf person's attention and that they are looking at you.
- Make sure that the background noise is at a minimum.
- Look directly at the person and don't turn away whilst talking.
- Make sure that your face or mouth is not hidden behind your hands, cigarettes, etc.
- Keep the normal rhythm of speech but slow down slightly.
- Use facial expression, body language and gestures where appropriate.
- Always be patient and friendly and give time to communicate.
- Keep your head fairly still, when speaking.
- Give the subject of the conversation first.
Most deaf and hard of hearing people have not adopted the following terms themselves and many find it offensive:
- deaf and dumb
- deaf mute
- hearing impaired
- deaf with speech or deaf without speech
Use the right words
- deaf
- deafened
- hard of hearing
For more Information on Deaf Awareness and Training Courses please contact us:
Telephone: 0845 165 1104 (local rate) 01922 614794
E-mail: training@walsalldeaf.org.uk
