Tips for Communicating with the Deaf / Hard of Hearing

• It is appropriate to gain the person's attention with a wave of the hand or a light tap on the shoulder.
• Position yourself face to face with the deaf person in a well-lit area.
• Keep hands and objects away from your mouth and face. The deaf person needs to see your facial expressions.
• Inform the person when the topic under discussion is changing.
• It is often helpful to use pen and paper or a computer to write messages.
• As you would in verbal communication, periodically ask for feedback to insure the person is following the conversation. Body language, gestures, and facial expressions are all helpful.
• Use of a qualified interpreter is recommended for the best communication with a deaf person who can sign. Please see the following tips on how to use a sign language interpreter.