Virginia Thompson, M.A., C.R.C., C.V.E., L.A.C. Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (602) Acbvi.org

 Deaf: “The use of the cultural label of being Deaf can be a declaration of personal identity rather than an indicator of hearing ability. American Sign Language unites people with profound hearing loss throughout the United States. Deaf Communities have their own educational institutions, social clubs and athletic organizations. A variety of events, conferences and conventions take place on a regular basis, providing individuals who are deaf a wide variety of options in which to interact with others. In addition, the Deaf Community engages in social and political activities exclusive to the Deaf Community. The Deaf Community provides a sense of belonging for deaf people who might otherwise feel excluded from hearing culture. A belief commonly shared by Deaf people is that deafness should not be regarded as an impairment or a disability.” Source: acdhh.org

 Hard of Hearing The term "hard of hearing" refers to those who have some hearing and are able to use it for communication purposes (NAD, 2008)

 What it sounds/looks like ◦ rect=1 rect=1 ◦ ◦ Comments/Thoughts

 GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION ◦ Get the person’s attention. ◦ Keep your face and mouth visible. ◦ Be sure your face is adequately lit. ◦ Face the person directly when speaking. ◦ Only one person should speak at a time. ◦ Use an Assistive Listening Device. ◦ Reduce background noise or move to a quieter location.

 DURING THE CONVERSATION ◦ Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. ◦ Speak just a bit louder. ◦ Ask a question to see if you are understood. ◦ Write down information or key words. ◦ Be aware that accents or slang may be difficult to understand.

 TIPS FOR WORKING WITH INTERPRETERS ◦ What is an American Sign Language Interpreter? ◦ An American Sign Language interpreter is an intermediary who facilitates communication between people with hearing loss or speech difficulties and those without hearing loss. ASL interpreters may specialize in sign language, oral, or another communication method. ◦ Interpreters must be licensed in the State of Arizona unless interpreting in a K-12 educational setting, a religious setting, or on a volunteer basis with no pay in non-legal settings.

 When scheduling an Interpreter, please provide the following information: ◦ Who? ◦ Which Day(s)? ◦ What? ◦ What Time(s)? ◦ Where? ◦ Setting(s)? ◦ Other specifics?

 BEFORE the conversation starts: ◦ Ask the person what is the best way to communicate with her or him. ◦ Get the person's attention. For a d/Deaf or a late deafened person, a wave from a distance or a gentle tap on the shoulder is usually sufficient. A hard of hearing person may also benefit from this procedure, but calling the person's name may also help. ◦ Keep your face and mouth visible—don't turn your head or cover your mouth.

◦ Remove gum, cigarettes, food, or other objects from your mouth. Speech reading is easier if the speaker's mouth area is free of objects. ◦ Be sure your face is adequately lit. ◦ Be aware of light sources. Windows or other bright light sources can create shadows on your face. This can make speech reading or watching signing more difficult. ◦ Face the person directly when speaking. ◦ Speak directly to the person—not to the interpreter, the CART provider, or the person’s companion. ◦ Negotiate a comfortable conversation space. ◦ Only one person should speak at a time.

◦ Use an Assistive Listening Device, CART or Interpreter services if appropriate. If a hard of hearing person has hearing aids or assistive listening devices, give the person time to adjust the equipment. ◦ If Assistive Listening Devices, CART or Interpreter services are not available, use paper and pen to assist with the communication process if needed. ◦ Reduce background noise or move to quieter location. ◦ Maintain eye contact. Eye contact facilitates direct communication. When working with special populations such as the elderly or children be sure they can see you clearly, and if they wear glasses for daily activity make sure they have them on. acdhh.org

 Are Hearing Aids enough? ◦ ◦ Options  White Board  Ubi Duo  Telephone Amplification  Tablet  Smart Phone  Captioned Telephone  FM System (Integrated and Regular) and Loop System  Streamer  TTY, Uniphone, and NexTalk  Telephone Relay Service including VCO and HCO

 Options ◦ White Board ◦ Ubi Duo ◦ Sign Language Interpreter ◦ Video Phone and Video Relay Service ◦ Video Remote Interpreting ◦ TTY and NexTalk ◦ Telephone Relay Service ◦ IP Relay (Internet Protocol Relay) ◦ Tablet ◦ Smartphone

 Title II o Access to Government Services o Access to telephone o Signage for access to accommodations  Title IV o Telephone Access o Relay Services o T-Coil Compatibility Cell-Phones/#1 Cell-Phones/#1  Enforcement o EEOC o FCC

 AT = Assistive Technology  Provided by RSA  Housed at Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired  Disability Awareness/Etiquette Sessions (All Disabilities)  Provided at your location or ours  1 ½ - 3 hour module sessions available  Available to employers  Hands-On Assistive Technology Awareness  Full Day Counselor Trainings  Includes awareness and hands-on AT experience for each disability

“Hello” Meeting & Greeting the Public General Disability Awareness Deaf / Hard of Hearing Blind / Visual Impairment Learning Disability / Cognitive Challenges Ergonomics and Physical Considerations Mobile Devices and AT (Special Session) Computer Skills for Professionals (Special Session)

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