Lipreading. Writing. 1 Gallaudet University

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1 Workshop Handout

2 Communication Modes Every deaf person is different and will possess different skills and limitations in communicating with hearing people. Deaf people will usually either speak and lipread, use pen and paper, use gesture and visual aids, use sign language or a combination of any or all of these modes when communicating with hearing people. When communicating with a deaf person, it is important to allow them to choose the mode(s) of communication used and respect their choice. Speech Some deaf people do not use speech to communicate. A deaf person s speech, if they speak at all, will vary depending on the level of their deafness, the age of onset of deafness, their education and training in speech, their confidence in using speech and the familiarity of the subject matter of the conversation. Lipreading Writing Hearing people tend to want deaf people to lipread as it allows them to communicate in the mode most comfortable to them but, in fact, not all deaf people lipread. Lipreading is a tool that may be useful in communication in certain situations. It is not the equivalent of a language or a direct replacement of listening to speech. Many sounds that are made with the voice look similar to each other on the lips and some sounds are not visible at all as they are made at the back of the throat for example. Accents, facial hair, and unclear mouth movements make lipreading even more difficult. Understanding a conversation by lipreading, therefore, is only about 30% effective. 1 Deaf people use context clues, the process of elimination, guesswork and other strategies to understand speech when lipreading. Some deaf people will choose to write and read messages on paper as their way of communicating with hearing people. Some deaf people are fluent in English. For some deaf people, though, Auslan is their first language and English is their secondary language. Like other non-native English users, some deaf people therefore, are not completely fluent in English. 1 Gallaudet University

3 The grammar and structure of sign language is very different to that of English, therefore, deaf people who are not fluent in English may write English in a sequence similar to Auslan. Because deaf people have limited access to the English language, some English words and expressions, even common ones, may be unfamiliar to a deaf person. Gesture/ Visual Aids Auslan For simple messages, some deaf people will communicate their message visually either by pointing to something or using their hands and/or body to show you what they want to say. Auslan stands for AUstralian Sign LANguage and is the predominant language of the adult Deaf community. It is a legitimate, rich and comprehensive language that consists of signs, body movement, facial expression and fingerspelling. Auslan has its own rules, grammar and structure. Auslan is a visual language and does not have a written component. Deaf people may use some of the more obviously visual signs when communicating with hearing people who do not sign or use simple signs and fingerspelling to people learning Auslan or who know minimal sign language. Technology Some deaf people rely on technology such as hearing aids to assist their communication. Hearing aids amplify sounds but do not make them clearer. Sometimes deaf people wear hearing aids to enable them to be aware of environmental noises but the hearing aids do not actually assist them in communication due to their type of hearing loss. Deaf people also use other forms of technology like a TTY (Teletypewriter- a special text telephone for deaf people), computers and text mobile phones. These types of technology can be limiting though due to the amount of time and level of written language skills required for their use The Deaf Society of New South Wales page 3

4 Deafness within the Community People may be born deaf or lose their hearing for genetic reasons, as a result of ageing, or through accident or illness. Many people do not know the cause of their hearing loss. Did you know that one in five Australians - over three million people - have a significant hearing loss? 2 In Australia, 20 children per 10,000 live births will be born with a congenital sensorineural hearing impairment. 3 Whilst all people are individuals, people with a hearing loss can generally be classified as either Deaf or hard of hearing. The Deaf community consists of about people in Australia, although this number is considered controversial and may be substantially more or less. 4 Deaf people are generally people who: use sign language as their primary and preferred means of communication; may or may not speak and/or lipread; participate and/or socialise within the Deaf Community; do not necessarily value hearing or want to be able to hear. like to be called Deaf ; focus on the cultural aspect of their Deafness; feel proud of their language, culture and community. 2 Australian Hearing Services Australian Hearing Services Johnson, T., W(h)ither the deaf community? Population, genetics and the future of Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

5 Hard of hearing people are generally people who: communicate by speaking, listening and lipreading with the use of technology such as hearing aids; participate and socialise within the hearing community; value and use the hearing that they do have to the best of their ability; may be embarrassed about their hearing loss; see Deafness as a disability that limits them. focus on the physical aspect of their Deafness. Whether a person with a hearing loss comes to identify as an adult with the Deaf group or the hard of hearing group will depend on a number of factors including: level of Deafness (mild, moderate, severe, profound) age of onset of Deafness (pre or post lingual) how they were raised (communication used within the family, type of school chosen for them, parents perception of Deafness etc) Most hearing parents, upon discovering that their child is Deaf, feel distraught and seek ways to remedy Deafness and make the child fit into their world- the hearing world. The medical profession, whom the parents turn to at this time for advice, often supports this perception about Deafness and fosters this path The Deaf Society of New South Wales page 5

6 Australian Fingerspelling Alphabet For H and J the right hand only moves in the direction of the arrow. Left handers reverse all formations.

7 Australian Auslan Numbers 2012 The Deaf Society of New South Wales page 7

8 Communication Tips Consider the Communication Environment Arrange the room so that the speaker s face and body can be easily seen. Be aware of lighting. Good lighting on the face of the speaker is important. It allows the hard of hearing person to monitor the facial expressions, gestures, lip and body movements that provide communication clues. Try to reduce any competing or background noises. They hinder communication. When talking to the Deaf or hard of hearing person: Wait until the person can see you before speaking. If necessary, touch the person to get attention. Never speak directly into the person s ear. This may distort your message and hide all visual clues, such as your facial expression. Position yourself at a normal speaking distance from the hard of hearing person. Speak slightly louder than normal, but don t shout. Remember that shouting won t make your message any clearer, and may distort it. Speak at your normal rate, maintaining the normal inflections and the up and down rhythms of your speech. Don t exaggerate lip movements. This distorts the message and makes it hard to read visual cues from your facial expression. Avoid chewing, eating or covering your mouth with your hand(s) while speaking. Clue the hard of hearing into the conversation topic whenever possible. If you suspect you are not being understood, rephrase your statement into shorter, simpler sentences. Don t keep repeating the same statement that s not getting through. Use body movements, gestures, visual clues and cues when you can. Try not to hide your eyes under sunglasses as your eyes support your message. Trim your moustache if you have one so your lips are easily visible

9 Cultural Tips When you need their attention, don t use your hand to turn their face towards you. It s OK to tap on the arm or shoulder to gain a person s attention. Don t poke your finger into their arm, shoulder, etc. Distance between the people having a conversation is important. More space than usual is generally required to allow free use of hand/arm space, body language and to see everything that is taking place. It s OK to walk between two people signing to each other. They will usually just lift up their hands to continue their conversation. There is really no need to bow down to avoid blocking their view. Just be quick. Be careful with your eye contact. It is important to maintain good eye contact during conversation, avoid staring, but acknowledge you are still tuned in. Physical contact is greater with deaf people. It s part and parcel of the culture. Be aware of long goodbyes. Make an attempt to quickly wave goodbye to those you have been talking to before leaving. Don t just shout out Bye! then leave. Your absence will be noticed. Make sure there is good light when conversing. Be responsive to the deaf person asking you to move to be in better light. You will usually find groups talking in the best-lit room (e.g. kitchen). There are many, many more which cannot be covered on paper. You will pick them up as you have more contact with the Deaf community The Deaf Society of New South Wales page 9

10 Working with an Auslan Interpreter Background Information Interpreting is not a direct sign for word or a word for sign translation but, rather, a translation of meaning. Because the interpreter must first understand the message before it can be interpreted into the other language, there will be a slight time delay. Some Deaf people are very used to and confident when working with an Auslan interpreter while others have rarely used them and/or may know very little about working with an interpreter. The interpreter may sometimes need to interrupt the conversation to ask for further information such as the spelling of a name or the clarification of the meaning of a term or phrase. The arrangements of the room for an interpreting situation are important including the lighting and seating/standing positions of those involved. Interpreters should follow a professional Code of Ethics. The ASLIA Code of Ethics 5 are: PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Australian Sign Language Interpreters (hereinafter called Interpreters ) shall be unobtrusive, but firm and dignified at all times. All participants in the interpreted setting shall be considered clients of the Interpreter. CONFIDENTIALITY Interpreters shall keep all assignment related information confidential. COMPETENCE Interpreters shall accept assignments using discretion with regard to skill, setting and clients involved. IMPARTIALITY Interpreters shall not counsel, advise or interject personal opinions. 5 Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association

11 ACCURACY Interpreters shall render the message faithfully, always conveying the content of the message and the spirit of the speaker, using language most readily understood by the person(s) whom they serve. EMPLOYMENT Interpreters shall request compensation for services in a professional and judicious manner. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Interpreters shall continually strive to maintain and further their knowledge, skill and professional competence. PROFESSIONAL SOLIDARITY Interpreters shall support and further the interests of their profession and colleagues by fostering trust and mutual respect. PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENCE When making public statements Interpreters shall clarify if speaking as a private individual or an authorised representative of the Australian Sign Language Interpreters Association. Tips When Working with an Auslan Interpreter Do not direct questions or comments to the interpreter during the assignment. Look directly at and speak in first person directly to the Deaf person rather than saying to the interpreter tell him... or ask her... Ask the Deaf person and the interpreter to decide on the best room arrangements to ensure the communication can happen effectively. Relax, speak at your normal pace and act as naturally as possible. Provide the interpreter with any notes, handouts or agenda items before the appointment. Interpreters are human and cannot be expected to interpret all day adequate rest breaks are essential. Occupational Health and Safety procedures need to be followed check with the booking agency or interpreter for more information. For more information visit: The Deaf Society of New South Wales page 11

12 DSNSW NRS Training Information National Relay Service Do you want to make sure that your business or agency can receive phone calls from (and make calls to) customers who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired? Do you have deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired friends or family? Then the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you! The National Relay Service is a phone solution for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired, and the people who want to contact them. Equipment Most deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired people use a special phone called a TTY to call you through the NRS. But as a hearing person, you don t need any special equipment at all, just a regular phone, to make or receive NRS calls. Confidentiality and costs All conversations are protected by privacy laws. The person making the call pays about the same as a local call, and there is no cost to the person receiving the call. Want to know more? Call the NRS Helpdesk today! We can provide you with: Help to make sure your organisation is comfortable using the NRS with customers who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired Materials such as posters, brochures and fact sheets for both staff and customers Free information sessions National Relay Service Helpdesk Voice: TTY: Fax: SMS: helpdesk@relayservice.com.au Web:

13 Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) The Employment Assistance Fund provides government funding to assist employers of people with disability or mental health condition to purchase a range of work-related modifications and services for those staff. The fund is administered by JobAccess. The funding can include access to workplace training and interpreting to encourage employment of Deaf and hard of hearing staff. This DAT training provides knowledge and strategies for improving the interaction between Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing people in the workplace. The EAF is also available to existing employees if they have had a change in duties, career progression, change in disability and/or a new modification becomes available that would increase their productivity. Some Deaf and hearing impaired employees may benefit greatly by using communication devices (such as smart phones and tables), Deaf friendly workplace and personal visual alarms, telephones, pagers, or any other identified needs, which are free of cost to the employer. JobAccess Advisors are a team of friendly professionals who provide advice on all matters relating to the employment of people with disability. The Employment Assistance Fund Guidelines are available from the JobAccess website: or contact JobAccess on The Deaf Society of New South Wales page 13

14 Equity for deaf people The Deaf Society of NSW has been providing specialist support services and programs for people who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing, and their families since Services include individual support and referral, independent living skills training, Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreting, courses delivered in Auslan, Auslan courses, employment service, deaf-friendly families program, deaf awareness training, translation service, deaf community development and support, advocacy and outreach to regional NSW. We are a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and Disability Employment Service (DES) provider. We provide services across NSW, with offices located in Parramatta, Newcastle, Niagara Park (Central Coast), Boambee (Coffs Harbour), Lismore, Tamworth and Albion Park Rail (South Coast). We also provide services regularly in Nowra, Orange, Pt Macquarie and Tweed Heads. TTY: (02) Fax: (02) Tel: (02) info@deafsociety.com Web: Auslan Courses Deaf Education Network (the education department of the Deaf Society of New South Wales) offers community and accredited Auslan courses, including Certificates II, III, and IV in Auslan and the Diploma of Auslan. For more information education@deafsociety.com or go to For more Deaf Awareness Training The Deaf Society of NSW offers a range of informative and practical Deaf Awareness Training programs designed to improve understanding of communication within workplaces and provides an awareness of the Deaf community, language and its culture. To find out more, dat@deafsociety.com.