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Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers

Practical Suggestions for Communicating Effectively

  • Before speaking, get the person’s attention with a wave of the hand or a gentle tap on the shoulder.

  • Face the person and do not turn away while speaking.

  • Try to converse in a well-lit area.

  • Do not cover your mouth or chew gum.

  • If a person is wearing a hearing aid, do not assume the individual can hear you.

  • Minimize background noise and other distractions whenever possible.

  • When you are communicating orally, speak slowly and distinctly. Use gestures and facial expressions to reinforce what you are saying.

  • Use visual aids when possible, such as pointing to printed information on a citation or other document.

  • Remember that only about one third of spoken words can be understood by speech reading.

  • When communicating by writing notes, keep in mind that some individuals who use sign language may lack good English reading and writing skills.

  • If someone with a hearing disability cannot understand you, write a note to ask him or her what communication aid or service is needed.

  • If a sign language interpreter is requested, be sure to ask which language the person uses. American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English are the most common.

  • When you are interviewing a witness or a suspect or engaging in any complex conversation with a person whose primary language is sign language, a qualified interpreter is usually needed to ensure effective communication.

  • When using an interpreter, look at and speak directly to the deaf person, not to the interpreter.

  • Talk at your normal rate, or slightly slower if you normally speak very fast.

  • Only one person should speak at a time.

  • Use short sentences and simple words.

  • Do not use family members or children as interpreters. They may lack the vocabulary or the impartiality needed to interpret effectively.

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