How to Communicate with
Someone who is Deaf
•Don’t assume that every deaf person speechreads. Speechreading is
a very difficult skill to master, and many deaf people don’t find it
effective beyond common phrases such as “How are you?”
•Keep your face and lips visible.
•Maintain eye contact.
•Make sure the deaf person is looking at you before you speak, sign,
or gesture.
•Speak naturally. Don’t exaggerate your mouth movements or speak
too slowly. And don’t shout!
•Be careful not to stand with your back to a window or other light
source – this makes speechreading and getting information from
facial expressions difficult.
•Offer pen and paper to write notes back and forth, but be aware that
English is a second language for many deaf people. When writing
notes:
-Keep it simple! Use short sentences and plain language.
-Don’t use idioms and slang.
-Repeat the question to make sure you understand.
•To get the attention of the deaf person:
-Tap his or her shoulder or arm.
-Wave in his or her line of sight.
•ATTITUDE is the most important thing! Deaf people will
appreciate your efforts to communicate.
Someone who is Deaf
•Don’t assume that every deaf person speechreads. Speechreading is
a very difficult skill to master, and many deaf people don’t find it
effective beyond common phrases such as “How are you?”
•Keep your face and lips visible.
•Maintain eye contact.
•Make sure the deaf person is looking at you before you speak, sign,
or gesture.
•Speak naturally. Don’t exaggerate your mouth movements or speak
too slowly. And don’t shout!
•Be careful not to stand with your back to a window or other light
source – this makes speechreading and getting information from
facial expressions difficult.
•Offer pen and paper to write notes back and forth, but be aware that
English is a second language for many deaf people. When writing
notes:
-Keep it simple! Use short sentences and plain language.
-Don’t use idioms and slang.
-Repeat the question to make sure you understand.
•To get the attention of the deaf person:
-Tap his or her shoulder or arm.
-Wave in his or her line of sight.
•ATTITUDE is the most important thing! Deaf people will
appreciate your efforts to communicate.
American Sign Language Services
from
Kathy MacMillan
ASL interpreter, instructor, consultant, writer, and signing storyteller
from
Kathy MacMillan
ASL interpreter, instructor, consultant, writer, and signing storyteller
| Stories By Hand: Programs for all ages |
| ASL Workshops: professional development |
| ASL Instruction |
| Publications |
| Resources |
Kathy MacMillan 7 Beth Court ~ Owings Mills MD 21117 443-739-0716 ~ info@kathymacmillan.com Page last updated 2/3/08 |
-Overview
-Program descriptions
-Collaborative Summer Reading
-Sign language birthday parties
-What others say
-Upcoming performances
-Book a program
-Upcoming classes
-Private tutoring
-Classes by request
-Overview
-Workshop descriptions
-Workshop participants say
-Book a workshop
-Books
-Articles
-Recommended ASL
resources
-Tips for working with an
interpreter
-Signing with babies
-How to communicate with
someone who is deaf
-Program descriptions
-Collaborative Summer Reading
-Sign language birthday parties
-What others say
-Upcoming performances
-Book a program
-Upcoming classes
-Private tutoring
-Classes by request
-Overview
-Workshop descriptions
-Workshop participants say
-Book a workshop
-Books
-Articles
-Recommended ASL
resources
-Tips for working with an
interpreter
-Signing with babies
-How to communicate with
someone who is deaf