Pages

Friday, January 4, 2013

You Met Someone But They're Deaf Now What?

You met someone but they're deaf now what?
Well don't give up yet.

You can always grab paper and a pen and write down everything you want to say.

Here are some basic "rules" if you will.
  1. Look at the person and make sure they're looking at you. A person who's deaf or hard of hearing can read lips to a degree, but don't breath easy yet.  Some people who are deaf or hh can lips like a A+ student but others can't.  For me I can hear so I use what I hear and what I "read" to know what is being said.  Take one away and I'm lost in seconds. Oh and don't pull a Jim Carrey and use big movements you are making it impossible to read your lips when you do this.
  2. Speak up in a noisy area but don't shout this make reading lips harder and it's insulting.
  3. To get a deaf/hh person attention:
    • Tap them on the arm or shoulder. This won't bother them. They're think nothing of it. It's a normal way to get their attention.
    • Tap the table or hard surface where they sit.
    • Stomp your foot. (This will not get my attention, but I have gotten my friends' attention this way.)
    • Wave really big.  A person who's deaf or hh will notice the movement.
    • Yell Whoo (I want to laugh as I type this one.) Yell whoo? You asked with a shocked expression. Yes when this person is walking away or just won't look at you. I dare you. (I wonder if you have to be around people who are deaf to get this one, but really I dare you)
  4. If nothing else grab that paper and pen.
I hope this help if I left anything out please add in comments.

No comments:

Post a Comment