Sign language classes are offered in many different places, including community colleges, churches, and libraries. If you can’t attend a class, you can learn some basic sign online. Learn how to fingerspell (spelling out individual letters to form words using your hands) so you can spell words until you learn all the signs for them. This can also be useful when asking how to sign a specific word. Signers are generally patient with those new to sign language and will slow down signs and repeat them. [2] X Research source Don’t worry about being slow at first. It’s better to be slow and communicate your message effectively the first time, rather than growing frustrated at having to repeat yourself! Many sign languages have a simplified version, which follows English (or whatever language is spoken in your country). It might be easier to start off with this version and when you know the signs, change the sentence structure to the way preferred by the Deaf community. For example, Sign Supported English (SSE), uses the same signs as British Sign Language (BSL), but the former follows the same structure as English, while the latter has its own grammar. SSE may be appropriate for beginners, but BSL is what is recommended when you are able.
Because we cannot see most sounds formed (many are formed without movement from the lips or teeth), even expert speech readers only get about 20-30% of what’s being said. [4] X Research source Therefore, it is important to have some context about the conversation before it happens. For example, if you were relying on speechreading for a meeting, you could get the agenda and notes ahead of time. If you were relying on speechreading for a lecture, you could ask the professor for their lecture notes beforehand. Pay close attention to the speaker. Watch gestures and facial expressions. Look for visual cues (for example, the speaker pointing to a bar graph at a meeting). Let others know when you need a break, as “listening” with your eyes can be very draining. You should not have to rely solely on lip-reading. Lip-reading is a challenge and is not a substitute for communicating via sign language or written language. It is okay to be assertive and inform someone that you do not wish to lip-read, but would rather communicate another way.
Get your attention before speaking to you, perhaps by waving or a tap on the shoulder. Keep a pad of paper and pen nearby to write things down. Use pantomime, facial expressions and gestures. Have the speaker face you directly and talk to you directly, instead of through an interpreter. Tell the person to maintain eye contact with you, and not talk to the interpreter. For example, you could let the person know, “I don’t like it when you talk to the interpreter instead of me. It feels like you are talking about me instead of with me when you say, “Can you let Jim know that I said…?” If you are lip-reading, make sure the speaker has nothing in their mouth (like food or gum), or covers their mouth when speaking. Using clear (see-through) face masks can help deaf people lip-read during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, many movie theatres offer captioned movies, or provide portable devices that can be positioned to your comfort on your seat’s armrest. [6] X Research source For showtimes of nearby captioned movies, go to http://www. captionfish. com. You may be able to find local sports leagues that cater to deaf players through your community park district. You may also find that you can continue to play in your regular leagues if you ask for some modifications (the referee waves their arms instead of blows a whistle, for example).
Assistive listening devices (ALDs). These are devices that can help amplify or clarify sound for people with hearing loss. These work in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants, and utilize electromagnetics, FM radio signals, or infrared light to transmit sound, and are often used in public places. [7] X Research source Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AACs). These are tools that aid in communication and help a person express themselves. These can be as simple as a board with pictures on it (for example, you point to a picture of food when you are hungry), or as complex as voice recognition software that converts speech into text (called Communication Access Realtime Translation, or CART). [8] X Research source Alerting devices. These are devices that alert a deaf or hard of hearing person with lights, vibrations, or loud sounds. They take the place of devices that typically alert with noise. For example, you might get a smoke detector with a strobe light, a doorbell with a blinking light, or a baby monitor that can vibrate when the baby cries. [9] X Research source Consider getting a hearing dog. A hearing dog’s job is to alert a deaf or hard of hearing person to a sound they are not able to hear. The hearing dog helps the person gain awareness of what’s happening in the environment by paying attention to the dog’s reactions. [10] X Research source
For example, a “reasonable accommodation” for a deaf person in the workplace might be to have a sign language interpreter present for a big meeting, or to communicate with your supervisor primarily via email. [11] X Trustworthy Source US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission U. S. government agency that enforces civil rights in the workplace Go to source University students can receive help from their school’s office of disability services, or office of deaf/hard of hearing services. Reasonable accommodations your school may be able to provide may include sign language interpreters, transcription services, and assistive listening devices. [12] X Research source
Check with your doctor or local hospital for suggestions about local resources. Ask other classmates or an instructor in a sign language class. Connect with your local community health department or resource center to learn about local deaf resources and what services may be available to you. Gallaudet University provides a comprehensive list of organizations that work with or provide information to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Understand that grief is a process to be worked through. Although it is tempting to numb your feelings of sadness through alcohol, food, or drugs, you will not achieve any lasting healing effects. It is best to work through the sad, angry feelings, even though they hurt. You may wish to spend some time writing about your hearing loss, or getting in touch with a close friend and sharing your feelings. You may find it useful to talk to someone about how you are feeling. If you are not yet competent in sign language, you may wish to look for a counselor to do an online counseling session with you.
Take a walk. Meditate. Write in a journal. Enjoy favorite hobbies that you don’t need to modify, like reading a book, crossword puzzles, or sewing.
The use of Deaf (with the D capitalized) refers to the culture that has developed from deaf people. People who are deaf may or may not be a part of Deaf culture. A good summary of Deaf culture and books, movies, and TV shows that highlight Deaf lifestyles can be found at https://www. startasl. com/deaf-culture. Search for a Deaf social event in your area. Try searching on Meetup at https://www. meetup. com/topics/asl/. Deaf Chat Coffee provides links to meetings at coffee shops for Deaf people around the country to get together and talk. Check out http://happy. deafcoffee. com/.
These websites aren’t just for talking about being deaf. You can find current events discussions, dating websites, and discussion boards for hobbies and interests.
Working with a therapist is a good way to work on your self-esteem. If you find it difficult to build your self-esteem on your own, then try finding a therapist who can help you. [14] X Research source
Working with a therapist is a good way to work on your self-esteem. If you find it difficult to build your self-esteem on your own, then try finding a therapist who can help you. [14] X Research source
For example, you can use a relaxation technique like deep breathing or meditation, or you can just do something that is enjoyable to you, such as listening to some soothing music or going for a walk.
Writing out the problem in detail. Making a list of the solutions that are available to you. Analyzing each solution to determine which is the best one. Choosing an option and carrying out your plan.
