How to be deaf-aware Deafness can be isolating – don’t avoid conversation.
Repeat yourself or rephrase until you are understood
Don’t shout. It distorts your mouth, making you harder to understand
Don’t mumble. Speak clearly and at normal speed
Look at the person you are speaking to
Talk directly to a deaf person, not through a third party
Be patient, especially if you are serving in a restaurant or pub
Check that your business has a working induction loop
Think about communication support: the RNID can book sign-language interpreters
Read more about Deaf Awareness Week here.
Read Michael Parkinson-The deaf are discriminated against, in The Telegraph
