Useful tips when interacting with people with hearing Impairments

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International Week of the Deaf (abbreviated as IW Deaf; used to be IWD) is celebrated annually the last full week of September (Monday through Sunday). 

You may also hear this week called Deaf Awareness Week, but the official name is International Week of the Deaf. It is celebrated by national and regional associations of the deaf, local communities, and all individuals worldwide.

History

The first International Day of the Deaf was first celebrated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1958. The day of awareness was later extended to a full week, becoming the International Week of the Deaf (IWD).1

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international, non-governmental organization of national associations of Deaf people and is recognized by the United Nations (UN) as their spokes-organization to promote the human rights of Deaf people.2 The WFD is composed of 130 national associations of the deaf3 and represents approximately 70 million Deaf people worldwide.2

International Week of the Deaf is recognized by Deaf communities internationally. The World Federation of the Deaf celebrates International Week of the Deaf the last week of September to commemorate the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, which took place in September 1951. Many countries, like the United States, also celebrate the International Week of the Deaf the last week of September, but there are some countries that choose to observe the week at a different time.1

National affiliates and regional partners of the World Federation of the Deaf help to lead International Day of the Deaf across the world. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) represents the United States at the General Assembly and World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf and they promote Deaf Awareness Week in the United States.3

Reason

The purpose of Deaf Awareness Week is to increase public awareness of deaf issues, people, and culture. Activities and events throughout Deaf Awareness Week encourage individuals to come together as a community for both educational events and celebrations.

Messages during Deaf Awareness Week include:

  • Celebrate the culture, heritage, and language unique to deaf people of the world.
  • Promote the rights of Deaf people throughout the world, including education for Deaf people, access to information and services, the use of sign languages, and human rights for Deaf people in developing countries.2
  • Recognize achievements of deaf people, including famous deaf individuals.
  • Educate about the misconceptions of being deaf and the challenges the deaf population face during everyday life.
  • Learn about types, degrees, and causes of hearing loss.
  • Be exposed to sign language and other ways deaf and hard of hearing people communicate.

Events 

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) encourage organizations and local communities to recognize Deaf Awareness Week through events that educate and bring the community together.

Types of events vary, but may include:

  • Awareness events, public information campaigns, and distribution of material
  • Events put on by Deaf Ministry Programs in Churches
  • Sign Language lessons or courses for the public
  • Hearing screening
  • Events with guest speakers, workshops, or panel discussions
  • Film screenings
  • Sign Language concerts or performances
  • Games and other entertainment events for the community

Useful tips when interacting with people with hearing loss:

 

§  If someone doesn’t understand what you’ve said, don’t keep repeating it. Try saying it in a different way instead.

§  Check that the person you’re talking to is following you during the conversation. Use plain language and don’t waffle. Avoid jargon and unfamiliar abbreviations.

§  To make it easy to lipread, don’t cover your mouth with your hands or clothing.

§  If you’re going on a date at a restaurant, find a suitable place to talk, with good lighting and away from loud speakers and distractions.

§  Get the listener’s attention before you start speaking, maybe by waving or tapping them on the arm.

§  Use natural facial expressions and gestures.

§  Make sure you have face-to-face contact with the person you are talking to.

§  If someone is working with a BSL interpreter, always remember to talk directly to the person you are communicating with, not the interpreter.

§  If you’re talking to a group that includes deaf and hearing people, don’t just focus on the hearing people.

Hearing loss affects people of all ages and can be caused by a number of factors, including exposure to loud noises, virus or disease, ageing and it can be inherited. Small changes in our lives can make a big impact on people with hearing loss, so let this be the week you forget all the stereotypes you’ve heard and just make some new friends.





Comments

  1. Digitech IdeasOctober 9, 2021 at 11:16 AM

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