People who self-identify as deaf, deaf-blind, hearing-impaired, late-deaf, and hard of hearing are all included in the term deaf today. Hearing loss that is so profound that there is little to no functional hearing is typically referred to as deaf people (Easterbrooks & Dostal, 2020). People who have been deaf for their whole life or since they first learned to talk are referred to as Deaf (Easterbrooks & Dostal, 2020). A hearing loss is said to be hearing-impaired if there is enough residual hearing for the hearing aid to help in speech processing effectively (Leigh & O’Brien, 2019). These terms should be used appropriately in the context in order to avoid misconceptions.
There are several strategies to promote positive attitudes towards deaf people. Academic administrators and professionals can help create an inclusive and accommodating culture for a wide variety of people. Positive interactions with deaf individuals that dispel harmful preconceptions and awareness-raising activities, such as educational seminars, courses, and training sessions, can help shift attitudes (Easterbrooks & Dostal, 2020). In order to improve interpersonal connections and foster communication skills in deaf and hearing persons, shared group activities can be held at school and at their place of employment (Leigh & O’Brien, 2019). For instance, by setting up gatherings where hearing and deaf people may interact and discuss personal issues, hearing and deaf people alike can learn sign language in particular courses.
Equal access and equal opportunity are protected by federal civil rights statutes. Important human rights measures, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Disability Education Act, resulted from this. A US legislation known as the Education for Persons with Disabilities Act ensures that students with disabilities get a free, suitable public education that caters to their requirements (Easterbrooks & Dostal, 2020). Businesses that receive money from government agencies are forbidden from discriminating against customers who have hearing impairments under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Easterbrooks & Dostal, 2020). Governments and charity organizations are required under the Americans with Disabilities Act to give access to those who are deaf, Deaf, and hard of hearing (Easterbrooks & Dostal, 2020). These pieces of legislation granted deaf individuals equal rights and enabled access to be customized to each person’s requirements.
All those participating in the conversation must put in the effort for the communication to be successful. It is crucial that other participants in the communication process constantly practice effective communication techniques, even when a person with hearing loss uses hearing aids and active listening techniques (Leigh & O’Brien, 2019). The most crucial of these is speaking gently and clearly without yelling or rapid lip motions (Leigh & O’Brien, 2019). Additionally, instead of repeatedly repeating the exact words if a person with a hearing impairment has trouble comprehending a particular phrase or word, try to find another method to communicate the same thing. Finally, it is crucial to provide essential information in writing whenever one can to encourage understanding between the parties.
Numerous organizations offer accommodations so that deaf persons can fully take advantage of all the experiences and activities. There are several tools available to help deaf individuals communicate effectively. The speech-to-text services, assistive listening systems, and note-taking tools are the most crucial of these. Within a speech-to-text service, the text is entered by the service provider based on what is heard, and the user may read it as it is displayed (Leigh & O’Brien, 2019). Assistive listening devices have been developed to aid deaf persons who want to utilize their own devices to obtain information in understanding speech. Although it is most frequently utilized in classrooms, it may be used in any circumstance that calls for learning, such as jobs and internships. These tools are necessary to communicate effectively in the case of hearing impairments.
References
Easterbrooks, S. R., & Dostal, H. M. (2020). The Oxford handbook of deaf studies in literacy. Oxford University Press.
Leigh, I. W., & O’Brien, C. A. (2019). Deaf identities: Exploring new frontiers. Oxford University Press.