Consultation Skills
Communicating with deaf and blind people
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Tips for communicating with Deaf people
- Always face a deaf person. Make eye contact and keep it while you are talking. …
- Check noise and lighting. Turn off or move away from background noise. …
- Keep your distance. …
- Speak clearly, slowly and steadily. …
- Take turns. …
- Repeat and re-phrase if necessary. …
- Write it down.
Tips for communicating with Blind people
- Gain the person’s attention by speaking first and/or by a gentle touch on the arm
- Introduce yourself and what you do
- Always talk to the person directly, rather their sighted companion
- In a group conversation, always make it clear who you are and who you are speaking to
- Use verbal responses, avoid nods and head shakes
- Verbalise your actions
- Inform people when you are moving away from them or leaving the room
- Remember if someone is blind, it doesn’t always mean they have no sight at all
- Ask if guidance or support is required
- Provide information in an alternative/accessible way – audio, large print or braille.
