Media & Disability

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• Guide on media & disability
  • Who Created this Guide?
  • Disabled People as Programme Participants
  • Employing Disabled People
  • Access to Broadcast Services
  • Communicating with Disabled People
    • Disability Etiquette
    • Meeting People who are Blind or Visually Impaired
    • Meeting People who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired
    • Meeting People with Speech Difficulties
    • Meeting People with Mobility Impairments
    • Interviews
  • Adjustments and Aids for People Specific Disabilities
  • Glossary of Terms
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Guide on media & disability

Communicating with Disabled People

Meeting People who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired

There are many different degrees and types of deafness and different ways for deaf people or those with hearing impairments to communicate. Some people who are profoundly deaf (usually from birth) use Sign Language as their first language.

• Try not to feel uncomfortable about communicating with a deaf or hearing impaired person, even if the communication feels awkward at first.
• If you do not understand what someone has said, ask him or her to repeat the sentence. Do not pretend you have understood when you have not.
• Ask the person to tell you how they prefer to communicate.
• Speak one at a time at meetings or gatherings. This enables lip-reading or interpreter communication.
• Written notes may help you present complicated information.
• Make sure a deaf person is looking at you before you begin speaking as he or she may need to lip-read. A gentle touch on the shoulder or arm will capture their attention.
• Keep background noise as low as possible.
• Check regularly that you have been understood.
• Stick to the agenda.
• Book interpreters or other support in advance.
• For interviews and meetings use a qualified Sign Language interpreter.
• If a sign language interpreter is present, speak to the deaf person, not the interpreter.
• Use an induction loop, enabling hearing impaired people to tune in their hearing aids directly to speakers and minimise background noise

Meeting People who Lip-Read

Many people reinforce what they hear with lip-reading. A few deaf people with no hearing at all use this alone. This is a demanding and tiring skill.

• Look directly at the person you are speaking to.
• Do not speak with your back to a light source as this will put your lips in shadow.
• Make sure you are visible and in good lighting when talking.
• Speak clearly and at an even pace, but do not distort or exaggerate your lip movements.
• Stop talking if you must turn away.
• Do not use exaggerated gestures.
• Do not block your mouth with your hands, cigarettes or food.

Meeting People who are Deafblind

While deafblindness is a combination of hearing and sight impairments, remember that deafblind people are not always completely deaf or blind. In fact, most deafblind people do have some residual hearing or sight or both. The advice provided in the sections on people with impaired vision or hearing may, therefore, also apply.

• A deafblind person may speak to you but may not hear your voice. Let the person know you are there. Approach from the front and touch the person lightly on the arm or shoulder to attract their attention.
• Many deafblind people need to be guided. Individuals will have their particular preference as to how they wish to be guided. Some deafblind people experience poor balance.
• A deafblind person may be supported by a communicator-guide, or interpreter. Remember to speak to the individual rather than their assistant.
• Do not grab or “propel” a person. Let them know you are offering to escort them by guiding their hand to your elbow.