Communication Tips

What communication methods do Gallaudet students use?
Deaf people use different modes of communication, including sign language, lip reading, and writing. Continuous improvements in technology have increased options available for deaf and hearing people to communicate with each other. The Career Center staff encourages students and their potential supervisors to explore and determine which modes will best achieve effective communication.

Sign language: Communicating through hand signals, gestural codes, and facial expressions is not unique to deaf people. It has been a part of many human cultures for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. American Sign Language (ASL) is the language of many deaf people. It is not English; but rather a language in itself, with its own grammar and structure. ASL combines the use of space, hand shapes, movements, and fingerspelling. ASL is not a universal language, just as English is not native to every country.

Lipreading (also known as speechreading): Communicating by watching a person's mouth and face to understand the words that are being spoken is called lipreading. Only 30 percent of the English language is "lipreadable." Even the best lipreader must constantly guess while intently concentrating on the person speaking. Some people are easier to lipread than others. Some factors that affect one's ability to lipread include the shape of the mouth and teeth, the way in which words are enunciated, exaggerated lip movements, and the presence of a moustache or beard. Environmental factors, such as lighting in the room, set-up of furniture in the room, and numbers of individuals in a room can also affect one's lipreading ability.

Writing: Communicating by note writing is an effective communication method for many, but not all deaf people, since English may be a second language. Write notes as a last resort and only if you know the reader's English language comprehension ability. Use visual aids, such as diagrams, drawings, pictures, or demonstrations to supplement your writing.

Communication Tips
The most important question to ask your applicant is which communication method will be most comfortable for both of you. Doing so will eliminate any confusion about effective communication for you and the applicant. Try to be flexible and open-minded when solving communication issues. Each of you is equally responsible to choose the best communication method.

• Consider the following:
• Some deaf people speak clearly and some do not.
• Some deaf people are good at lipreading while others are not.
• Writing skills vary among deaf people. When writing, try using a computer or TTY instead of pencil. Keep messages short and do not worry about grammatical errors. Put as much in writing ahead of time as you can. Lists, phrases, and notes all help speed up communication while making discussion clearer.
• Not all deaf people use sign language; some may use other forms of manual communication.
  Try to use facial expressions and gestures when you talk.
• An interpreter may be the best solution for performance reviews and other crucial one-on-one meetings.
• Make sure that you have conveyed your messages and feelings clearly.

Communicating by Telephone
Deaf people converse via telephone in different ways. Some converse by voice with the help of a hearing aid and/or telephone amplifier. Others use text telephones, (TTYs), telecommunications relay services, telephone/mail computer software, and interactive video.

Text telephones (TTYs) are special keyboards that transmit typed messages electronically through telephone lines. Coupled with standard telephones, TTYs allow deaf people to converse with other parties who have a TTY. An inexpensive flashing device can be connected to both a lamp and telephone to flash when the telephone is ringing. Telecommunications relay services are now available in all states and allow a hearing person without a TTY and a deaf person with a TTY to communicate by telephone through a third party.

Telephone/mail computer software packages enable real-time conversations via the internet between two parties. Visual interaction is also now possible via the internet when both parties have the appropriate technology.

Meetings, Orientations, and Other Formal Settings
Always ask the deaf person what might work best for him or her in formal settings. The deaf person might request an interpreter, ask that someone type the conversation occurring during the meeting on a computer, ask a co-worker or supervisor to summarize the meeting afterwards, or simply obtain a copy of the meeting minutes.

Ask the deaf person which method would be most appropriate for any meetings that involve discussion about policy, procedure, performance, or important announcements.

Handouts to be distributed during a meeting should be given to the deaf person prior to its beginning, since it is extremely difficult for a deaf person to read and watch the presenter and/or interpreter at the same time. Additionally, one person should speak at a time and be visually recognized before speaking.

You may want to visit our website of Technology Access Program at Gallaudet University for more details. It eliminates communication barriers traditionally faced by deaf and hard of hearing people.