Communicating effectively with a deaf person

For a hearing impaired person, as important as solving or alleviating their deafness, is their inclusion in society, is to be able to communicate with other non-deaf people.

One of the ways of communication with deaf people is using the American Sign Language (ASL). It is common to see on television an interpreter of ASL gesticulating, doing the signs with the hands to translate what is being spoken. Besides ASL, many deaf people can also read lips.

For those who do not know sign language, there are some tips to help a deaf person communicates with you:

• Speak clearly, looking at the person, and try to make your mouth visible. Lightly tap the arm or shoulder so the deaf person realizes you want to talk to her. Keep eye contact until the conversation is over.
• Just raise your voice or speak slowly if the deaf person asks. Otherwise, speak normally, with volume and speed you are used to.
• Be expressive. Hearing impaired will not be able to hear the nuances of irony or seriousness in your voice, but they will be able to understand your facial expressions, movements of your body or gestures.
• If you do not understand what a deaf person wants to tell you, it is polite to ask to repeat. If it is very difficult to understand, ask him to write to you.
• Even if a deaf person is accompanied by an interpreter, speak to the deaf, never to the interpreter.

IMPORTANT: Do not pass between people talking through signals, it hinders the conversation and may even prevent people from communicating.