Free DeafAware® Audit

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What if...

What if?

Well done, 'Find Pen and Paper or Use notes on phone' is the correct answer

If you're having difficulty understanding a Deaf person, using written communication, such as pen and paper or a phone’s notes app, is an effective and respectful way to clarify the message. Raising your voice, exaggerating lip movements, or speaking slowly often doesn't help, as many Deaf individuals rely on sign language or written communication. Clear writing can bridge the gap when verbal or visual methods are unclear.

Incorrect answer - the right answer is: Find Pen and Paper or Use notes on phone

If you're having difficulty understanding a Deaf person, using written communication, such as pen and paper or a phone’s notes app, is an effective and respectful way to clarify the message. Raising your voice, exaggerating lip movements, or speaking slowly often doesn't help, as many Deaf individuals rely on sign language or written communication. Clear writing can bridge the gap when verbal or visual methods are unclear.

What if?

Wrong Answer: The correct answer is 'Move into their vision, Wave your hands, or Stamp your feet (on a hard surface)'

The best way to get a Deaf person's attention is to move into their line of sight or gently wave your hands. If you're on a hard surface, stamping your feet can also work, as they may feel the vibrations. These methods are non-intrusive and effective. Shouting or grabbing their shoulder can be startling or rude, so it’s important to use visual or tactile methods instead.

WELL DONE - Correct Answer: 'Move into their vision, Wave your hands, or Stamp your feet (on a hard surface)'

The best way to get a Deaf person's attention is to move into their line of sight or gently wave your hands. If you're on a hard surface, stamping your feet can also work, as they may feel the vibrations. These methods are non-intrusive and effective. Shouting or grabbing their shoulder can be startling or rude, so it’s important to use visual or tactile methods instead.

What if?

Sorry wrong answer: The correct answer should be patient and give them the time they need and be patient while they express themselves.

It's important to be patient and give a Deaf person the time they need to communicate. Rushing them can cause frustration and misunderstandings. Effective communication, especially in situations involving sign language or written notes, requires patience, and allowing someone to express themselves fully ensures a respectful and inclusive interaction.

Correct Answer - We should be patient and give them the time they need and be patient while they express themselves.

It's important to be patient and give a Deaf person the time they need to communicate. Rushing them can cause frustration and misunderstandings. Effective communication, especially in situations involving sign language or written notes, requires patience, and allowing someone to express themselves fully ensures a respectful and inclusive interaction.

What if?

Wrong Answer: The correct answer is... 'It allows them to follow the conversation and understand the message fully.'

Maintaining eye contact and finishing your sentence is vital because Deaf individuals often rely on lip-reading or visual cues to follow the conversation. Breaking eye contact or moving away too soon disrupts their ability to understand you and can lead to confusion or missed information. Communication is most effective when attention is maintained until the message is fully conveyed.

WELL DONE - Correct Answer: 'It allows them to follow the conversation and understand the message fully.'

Maintaining eye contact and finishing your sentence is vital because Deaf individuals often rely on lip-reading or visual cues to follow the conversation. Breaking eye contact or moving away too soon disrupts their ability to understand you and can lead to confusion or missed information. Communication is most effective when attention is maintained until the message is fully conveyed.

What if?

Wrong Answer: The answer should be b) It can be overwhelming and may not help them understand better.

Shouting is not helpful and can be overwhelming. Raising your voice doesn’t usually improve communication and may come across as aggressive or stressed, which can negatively impact the interaction. Instead, focus on clear, calm communication, and consider using other methods like sign language or writing if needed.

NICE. Correct Answer: b) It can be overwhelming and may not help them understand better.

Shouting is not helpful and can be overwhelming. Raising your voice doesn’t usually improve communication and may come across as aggressive or stressed, which can negatively impact the interaction. Instead, focus on clear, calm communication, and consider using other methods like sign language or writing if needed.

What if?

Wrong Answer: The correct answer is a) Over-exaggerating can confuse them and can be frustrating for the Deaf person.

Over-exaggerating lip movements makes it more difficult for Deaf individuals to lip-read accurately, as they rely on natural speech patterns to understand you. Exaggerated movements distort the words and can lead to confusion, so speaking clearly and naturally is the best way to facilitate communication.

Correct Answer: a) Over-exaggerating can confuse them and can be frustrating for the Deaf person.

Over-exaggerating lip movements makes it more difficult for Deaf individuals to lip-read accurately, as they rely on natural speech patterns to understand you. Exaggerated movements distort the words and can lead to confusion, so speaking clearly and naturally is the best way to facilitate communication.

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All about DeafAware®

Many employers struggle to know where to begin when it comes to supporting Deaf individuals. Often, efforts are limited to a one-off training session, which doesn’t lead to meaningful or lasting change. What’s needed is a higher standard of accessibility that makes a real difference in the daily lives of Deaf people—whether they are customers, employees, or colleagues.

The DeafAware® Logo sets this standard, serving as a pledge of commitment that businesses can proudly display to show they are genuinely inclusive and supportive of the Deaf community. Start your application with a DeafAware® audit above

What we can do for you..

We’ll ensure your business is fully supported in creating a Deaf-inclusive environment. From comprehensive DeafAware® training for your staff to assistance in building an inclusive recruitment process, we’ll help you achieve the DeafAware® Seal of Approval.Our team will also ensure that your company remains compliant with all relevant guidelines and legislation surrounding Deaf accessibility and inclusion, empowering your business to be a leader in Deaf-friendly practices.

Bridging the Gap in Deaf Inclusivity

We offer two membership tiers to help bridge the gap in Deaf inclusivity within the workplace:

1. Pledge Membership

This introductory level provides companies with one year of expert advice on Deaf inclusion
practices. Pledge members also gain unlimited access to job postings on Deaf Work during this period, as they work towards meeting the criteria for full membership.

2. Full Membership

Once a company has successfully met all our Deaf Inclusivity standards, they are granted Full
Membership. This unlocks full access to our exclusive membership services, ensuring ongoing support and guidance for maintaining an inclusive workplace.

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