September is Deaf Awareness Month—an ideal time for local government professionals to review and strengthen how they serve Deaf and hard of hearing community members. Whether you’re planning public meetings, providing essential services, or communicating online, fostering accessible, inclusive communication is vital year-round.

Ten Best Practices for Communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

(Adapted from the Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre)

  1. Face the Person and Make Eye Contact
    Always face the individual when speaking. Avoid turning away or covering your mouth, as facial cues are essential for understanding.

  2. Ask for Communication Preferences
    Every person is unique. Some may prefer American Sign Language (ASL), others written notes, captioning, or assistive technology. Ask what works best.

  3. Speak at a Normal Volume and Pace
    Speak clearly—don’t yell, mumble, or exaggerate your speech.

  4. Keep Facial Expressions and Lip Movements Natural
    Over-exaggeration can make lip-reading more difficult.

  5. If Speech-Reading is Preferred, Speak Clearly and Naturally
    Avoid speaking too quickly or slowly.

  6. Use Clear Written Communication if Needed, and Confirm Understanding
    Don’t hesitate to write things down and check for comprehension.

  7. Incorporate Visual Aids
    Use pictures, diagrams, or gestures to support your message.

  8. Minimize Background Noise
    This is especially important for those using hearing aids or cochlear implants.

  9. Be Patient and Relaxed
    Allow extra time for communication and clarification.

  10. Leverage Technology
    Use real-time captioning, video relay services, or text-based communication (email, chat, or apps) as appropriate.

Additional Tips for Local Government Professionals

  • Provide Qualified ASL Interpreters
    For public meetings, events, and essential services, ensure access to certified interpreters. The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) can help you find professionals.

  • Ensure Digital Content is Accessible
    Add captions to all videos and provide transcripts for audio content. Follow WebAIM’s accessibility guidelines for websites and digital documents.

  • Train Your Staff
    Regularly train staff on Deaf awareness and inclusive communication.

  • Display Visual Alerts
    Use visual alerts in public buildings for emergencies or important announcements.

Resources for Learning and Support

Learn Basic ASL

General Support and Advocacy

Financial and Educational Resources

 

Final Note

Not everyone who uses ASL is deaf—ASL is also a vital communication tool for many who are nonverbal or have other communication needs. By adopting these inclusive practices and sharing these resources, your municipality can create a more accessible and welcoming environment for all residents.

Did you know?
Deaf Awareness Month is celebrated in September in the U.S., while Deaf Awareness Week is observed in May in the UK and other countries. No matter the month, accessibility and inclusion are always in season!