Monday, 28 February 2011

http://www.signstation.org/10_1.shtml

Some interesting things to think about:

different structure to English - it is not English on the hands. Finger-spelling is used to represent specific English words

Deaf people watch the face when signing, not the hands.

limited access to education.

different degrees of hearing loss

vary from day to day

make your communication as visual as possible.

face them and speak directly at normal speed, while they are looking at you. Do not cover your mouth/face with your hands and do not sit with the light behind you

avoid visual distractions

waving your hand in their line of sight, tapping them on the forearm or moving into their field of vision

tapping on the desk or table and by flicking the lights on and off quickly.

Try not to approach from behind, never touch on the back or head and DO NOT SHOUT!

indicate visually or gesturally that the phone is ringing or someone is calling.

Be visual



The problem seems to be widened not only to helping people learn sign language but to actually suggest otherwise to make communication easier between those of normal hearing and those with hearing impairments. Sign language does not necessarily have to be learned to make it easier for Deaf people to feel included there are other ways which are probably just polite but because people aren't used to having to consider them they may be forgotten. (For example, making it clear they are going to answer the phone) It seems like some of the issues are about recognising things of habit and making a conscious effort to be considerate.

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