In diversity, equity and inclusion, there are so many events we recognize through days, weeks, or months. However, raising awareness for some of health conditions is something that goes under radar, including Deaf History Month. This is observed nationwide every year in April. We celebrate deaf history and, in particular, the contributions made by the deaf community and the hearing impaired to American culture and society.
At DCBS, we recognize the intersectionality that exists among all of us, especially those working among us. It means being aware of all the factors we face and how they might affect us negatively at work, and then taking measures to address this in our DEI efforts. And talking about diversity, let’s talk about the diversity that exist within the deaf and hard of hearing community.
The diversity within the deaf and hard of hearing community. There are differences in how a person becomes deaf or hard of hearing, age of onset, level of hearing, educational background, communication methods, and cultural identity. How people “label” or identify themselves is personal and may reflect identification with the deaf and hard of hearing community, or the degree to which they can hear.
With my humble knowledge of this community, I will delegate the in-depth information to the experts in the field and ask you to seek more information. Also, even when the person with hearing loss uses hearing aids and active listening devices, it is crucial that we involve them in the communication process consistently by using good communication strategies, including the following:
- Directly face the person with hearing impairments.
- Do not talk from another room.
- Speak clearly, slowly, distinctly, but naturally, without shouting or exaggerating mouth movements.
- Say the person’s name before beginning a conversation.
- Avoid talking too rapidly or using sentences that are too complex.
- Be aware of possible distortion of sounds for the hearing impaired person.
- Some people with hearing loss are very sensitive to loud sounds.
- Pay attention to the listener’s body language. A puzzled look may indicate misunderstanding.
The members of the DCBS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council have prepared a list of resources below and want you to join them and organizations around the world in celebrating the 27th annual International Noise Awareness Day on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. Help raise awareness of the harmful effects of noise on hearing, health, and quality of life, and inspire positive action in your community.
Here are some links for more information:
- Visit International Noise Awareness Day.
- The National Deaf Center explains how to accommodate employees with hearing impairments. Even though we are exiting the mandates around the pandemic, employees with hearing impairments need to see your face to gain the feeling of the conversation. So, when you turn off your camera, they lose the feeling of the conversation.
- The American Society for Deaf Children has posters you can print, along with online classes and other information.
- The Deaf Resource Library has information about American Sign Language and Japanese Sign Language, along with links to national and state organizations for the deaf.
- CymaSpace is a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusion within performing arts, cultural events, and media broadcasting for deaf and hard of hearing people.