What are some effective means of communication?
There are a variety of ways in which Deaf and hard of hearing individuals prefer to communicate. Many use American Sign Language (ASL) or Pigeon Signed English (PSE). Others use captioning or speech reading. Still others use signed English, Cued Speech or assisted listening devices (ALD’s) such as FM loops. For this reason, it is critical that you assess the needs of the individual(s) for whom you are making accommodations. This will ensure that you correctly match the accommodation with the needs of the Deaf or hard of hearing person, avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary delays. In brief encounters where critical information does not need to be conveyed, and no interpreter is available, then written notes can be used if both parties are willing. This is in no way considered optimal or effective communications for anything other than brief exchanges, such as setting up an appointment.
