Best Communication Practice Guidelines

Deaf communities are diverse with people identifying as Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened.

• Ask about communication preferences
  Start by asking, “What’s the best way for us to communicate with you?” and honor their choice—whether it’s sign language, email, captioning, speech-to-text, texting, writing on a paper, or another method, and follow the method they choose.
  communicating effectively
• Set up a Deaf-friendly space
  • Good lighting and seating for lip-reading or hand-signing
  • Captions on videos
  • Clear signs
  • Visual alarms
  • Easy-to-point-to menus
• Speak clearly
  Facing the person and removing mask when possible.
  face coverings
• Sign language interpreter
  • A business cannot require a Deaf person to bring their own interpreter.
  • When possible and within their budget, businesses can provide a qualified interpreter.
  • Interpreters usually need to be booked a few days in advance.
  • There are other ways to communicate if a business can't afford an interpreter.
  • Friends or family can help only if the Deaf person prefers to use them
    sign language interpreters
• Smartphone-based tools
  Many deaf people use speech-to-text or captioning apps on smartphones or tablets. Commonly used apps include Google Live Transcribe (Android), Ava, Cardzilla, Notta, Otter – iOS & Android
• Keep pen and paper for backups
  Useful during power outages, in low-signal areas, or when tech fails—never the default.
• Auxiliary Aids and Communication Services like Telecommunication Relay Service (TRS), Video Relay Services (VRS) and Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
  Communication services like TRS, VRS, and VRI help people with hearing or speech disabilities communicate by phone or video, often through interpreters or captioning. Employees should treat relay calls like any other call, and VRS in particular lets people who use American Sign Language communicate through a video interpreter.
  effective communication

Get Attention Respectfully: Wave a hand gently within the guest's line of sight or lightly tap their shoulder.

Face the Guest Directly: Maintain direct eye contact and keep your mouth completely visible to facilitate lip-reading.

Reduce Background Noise: If a conversation requires details, offer to step to a quieter section of the venue where background audio or music won't interfere.

Tips for Bars & Restaurants

• Ditch the Dim Lighting: Keep menus and ordering stations well-lit so guests can easily read lips, see gestures, or read written notes.
• Utilize Tech for Ordering: Keep notepad apps open on tablets, use pen and paper, or utilize live speech-to-text apps at the counter.
• Visual Order Notifications: Use physical buzzers or text-messaging order trackers to notify guests when their table or food order is ready instead of shouting names.
• Point and Confirm: Point directly to menu items to confirm orders, and physically write down or display the final price total for clarity.

Tips for Hotels & Lodging

• Front Desk Texting Options: Provide text-messaging, WhatsApp, or dedicated digital chat channels for requests like room service, late checkouts, or general inquiries.
• Visual & Vibrating Alerts: Equip guest rooms with essential visual notification kits, including flashing strobe door knocks, vibrating alarm clocks, and flashing emergency smoke detectors.
• Keep Notes Brief: For quick desk interactions like check-in instructions or verifying room rates, exchanging typed or handwritten notes is completely effective and legally compliant.