Communication etiquette

Making Contact

• Try not to make assumptions about a person’s degree of deafblindness
• Where possible, identify a person’s preferred communication method prior to contact
• If you hear a person speaking, don’t assume they can hear speech
• Gain the person’s attention before you begin to communicate
• Approach from the front and avoid touching their shoulder or back to get their attention as you may startle them
• When contact is initiated, the individual will most likely try to explain how to communicate. Relax, be patient, listen and observe. Some people may carry a communication assistance card that will outline their disability and how to communicate with them

Communication

• Take your time and explain things clearly at a pace the person can follow
• Avoid shouting
• Try not to place your hands over your mouth
• If the person cannot hear speech you can approach them by gently touching the back of the person’s hand
• Even if using an interpreter, direct your communication at the individual
• Let the person know when you enter and leave a room

Environment

• Consider the physical layout of an environment including the positioning of furniture and any clutter around the floor
• Allow the person to become familiar with the environment
• Inform and show the person if there any changes to the environment

Lighting and contrast

• Position yourself in the light
• Avoid having your back to a window
• Ask the person if the lighting is suitable
• Create contrast between yourself and the background

Glare

• Avoid glare and lights that shine directly into a person’s eyes
• If guiding a person from inside to outside ask if they are ready to move on as people need time to adjust to changes in light

Background noise

• Reduce any unnecessary background noise

Locating personal belongings

• Let the person know where their belongings can be found

Anticipating what is happening next

• Let the person know what is about to happen. Do not assume that they know

Tactile cues

• Consider the range of tactile cues in the environment (eg, present a cup to ask a person if they would like a drink)

Asking questions

• Asking questions encourages two way communication
• Ask whether they have any questions

Choice

• Where possible present the person with choices and allow them the opportunity to make their own decisions

Access to information

• Ensure that individuals have easy access to information

Relaying non-verbal messages

• Describe non-verbal cues in the environment such as other people’s facial expressions and the content of written material
• Convey messages or meaning using facial expression and body language

Group situations

• In a group discussion, having one person talking at a time will allow the person with dual sensory loss follow the discussion

Appointment times

• Allow additional time for meetings and appointments, as communication is slower for people who are deafblind