Deaf-Blind Resources
Guidelines for Communicating with a Deaf-Blind Person
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If the person is hard of hearing and communicates in spoken language, use the same tips offered for communicating with hard-of-hearing people. Keep close so the deaf-blind person can see the speaker's face.
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If the person is deaf and uses sign language, use the same tips offered for communicating with a deaf person that uses sign language. Check to see if the person uses sign language close up or uses tactile (hand-over-hand) communication. Call an interpreter and notify the agency/interpreter that the person is deaf-blind and which mode of communication is needed (visual sign language or tactile sign language.)
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When approaching or walking with deaf-blind persons, offer an elbow and use it to guide them. Never push or pull them along.
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Do not leave deaf-blind persons alone in an open space. If you need to leave them alone for a few minutes, escort them to a safe place (for example, a chair near the wall.) Let them know why you are doing this.
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If using a paper and pen to communicate, use readable big print.
- If the person has Usher's Syndrome or Retinitis Pegmentosa, make sure the lighting is good and without glare.
Modified from "Tips for Communication with a Deaf-Blind Patient," Center for Health Care Access, a service of League for the Hard of Hearing.
Links:
See: What resources are available for persons who are Deaf-Blind.
Tips for Working with Interpreters
- Provide good lighting for the interpreter. If lighting needs to be adjusted to use visual equipment, provide auxiliary lighting or dim the lights with enough light to see the interpreter.
- Try to allow only one person to speak at a time during group discussion or meetings. The interpreter can't interpret or follow if several people are speaking at once. Remember, the interpreter is a few words behind the speaker. Give the interpreter time to finish before the next speaker begins.
- Do not use friends or family members as interpreters. Even if they are skilled enough to use sign language, they are often too emotionally or personally involved to interpret "effectively, accurately and impartially." Using friends or family members as interpreters can cause problems in maintaining a person's right to privacy and confidentiality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are there different types of interpreters for the deaf?
A: Yes.
Q:How do I know which type of interpreter to hire for a consumer that makes a request?
A: Ask the consumer. If you are still unsure, call a certified interpreter.
Q: How do I find an interpreter?
A: There is a searchable database of certified interpreters.
Types of Interpreters
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, RID, has Standard Practice Papers (SPPs) which articulate the consensus of the membership in outlining standard practices
and positions on various interpreting roles and issues.
These SPPs are excellent resources to educate all interpreters as well as to pass out to both hearing and deaf clients, the general public, business contacts, school personnel, doctors and nurses, etc. You may print out these SPPs from the RID's Standard Practice Papers.
