Engagement & Communication with Deaf or hard of hearing
Engagement and Communication Practices with Persons who are Deaf or hard of hearing
Disability engagement and communication requires some planning and thought, especially when you are working toward being a church where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. Many people have not thought about ways to make interactions with those of us who are disabled easier and more relaxed. To start with, remember that each person is unique and all of us are made in the image of God. If you encounter a disabled person who may need assistance, ask if help is wanted and exactly how you can help.
Who is considered Deaf or hard of hearing?
Some persons are born deaf or hard of hearing while others acquire hearing loss later. Persons who use American Sign Language (ASL) and consider themselves part of Deaf culture use a capital “D” on Deaf to designate that being Deaf is part of their identity. They may have some residual hearing for loud sounds. They do not consider themselves to be disabled.
Hearing loss in hard of hearing persons ranges from mild to severe, and they may or may not use hearing aids or a cochlear implant. Loud background noise, e.g., in a restaurant, will always make hearing more difficult. Some people are skilled at lip reading, also called speech reading, but only 30–40 percent of speech is visible.
When you are with a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing:
Be certain you have the person’s attention before speaking. If the person is facing you, gently tap him or her on the arm or elbow and make sure the person is looking at you before you speak. If the person is not facing you, use a gentle tap on the shoulder.
Don’t expect the person to make eye contact with you until he or she is finished speaking with others. Breaking eye contact is considered rude, and expecting an immediate response is also inappropriate. Wait your turn. When the person turns to you, begin speaking.
Don’t exaggerate your speech, or shout.
Speak at a slow to moderate rate.
Look directly at the person who is Deaf, not at an interpreter who may be working with him or her. Address your responses only to the person (e.g., don’t say “Tell her I said…” or “Tell him that…”). Speak to the person and let the interpreter transfer the information back and forth.
Don’t cover your mouth with anything or turn your head away.
Don’t eat or chew while communicating.
Avoid creating a shadow on your face — do not stand with your back or side to a bright light or window.
Don’t touch, distract or offer food to a service dog.
Be patient. If the individual does not seem to understand you, first repeat what you said initially. Then, if necessary, try using different words.
Be aware that ASL is a different language than English and that abstract concepts in English may be difficult to communicate to ASL users.
If spoken communication is difficult, try using paper and pencil or dictating messages on a tablet.
It is not rude to ask “Are you deaf?” But do not use the terms “hearing impaired,” or “deaf and dumb.”
For more information:
Resources from the United Methodist Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries:
https://www.umdeaf.org/resource/cong.html
Revised March 2024
Rev. Debbie Hills, Lynn Sweberg, and Tim Vermande. Based on a 2009 adaptation by Dr. Charlotte Shepard, Rev. Wineva Hankamer, and Rev. Dr. Devorah Greenstein of the 2004 National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA Equal Access Guide, pages 24–25.
Links (for redundancy in the PDF):