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.