In the United States, about 48 million people have hearing loss. That’s about 20% of the population. And that number is only going to grow as the population ages. So companies need to know how to hire and manage deaf or hard-to-hear employees. Here are a few tips:
Leverage Technology
There are a lot of great technologies out there that can help deaf or hard-of-hearing employees stay connected and productive. For example, there are apps that can provide real-time captioning or sign language interpretation. And there are video phones that allow people to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL).
Some companies have even installed special equipment that allows employees to “hear” through their bone conduction. This technology is called the Cochlear Implantable Device System (CID).
Another device that has come a long way in helping the hearing impaired is TeleTYpe (TTY) communication. By using the TTY communication for the deaf, employers can ensure that the hearing impaired are able to communicate effectively with others.
Make sure you are familiar with the various technologies that can help your deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. And make sure you have the budget to invest in the right tools and equipment.
Use Visual Aids
Despite popular belief, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can be excellent employees. Companies willing to invest in the necessary visual aids can find that deaf and hard-of-hearing employees can be just as productive as their hearing counterparts.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when hiring and managing deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. First, it is essential to have a designated area for communication. This area should have good lighting and should be free of distractions. Second, companies should provide visual aids such as flashcards or whiteboards. These can be used to communicate important information or tasks. Finally, it is essential to be patient and flexible when communicating with deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. Allow them extra time to process information and be open to different ways of communication.
Companies can successfully hire and manage deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals by following these tips. With the right support, these employees can thrive in any workplace.
Hire an Interpreter
Delivering effective communication in the workplace is a team effort. It requires everyone from managers to co-workers to be on the same page. When deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals are present in the workforce, companies must ensure that these employees have equal access to communication. This can be accomplished by hiring an interpreter. Interpreters bridge the gap between hearing and non-hearing individuals by translating spoken language into American Sign Language (ASL) or another form of signed communication. They also interpret ASL or signed communication into spoken language. This way, deaf or hard-of-hearing employees can participate fully in meetings, training sessions, and other workplace activities. In addition, interpreters can help to foster a more inclusive workplace culture by facilitating open communication between all employees.
Visual emergency notifications
There are many reasons why companies should consider hiring and managing deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. For one, they can be an invaluable asset in an emergency. Visual emergency notifications can be a lifesaver for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals, as they can alert them to danger even when they are not near a sound source. In addition, deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals often have keen eyesight and excellent spatial awareness. This can be extremely helpful in occupations that require quick reaction times or precise hand-eye coordination. Finally, deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals often have a strong sense of community and can be valuable in fostering positive relationships between employees and customers. Companies should keep all of these benefits in mind when hiring and managing deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
Create an Inclusive Workplace Culture
There are several ways that companies can make their workplace more inclusive for deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. First, it is important to train all employees to communicate effectively with deaf or hard-of-hearing colleagues. This might include learning some basic sign language or simply being aware of the importance of facial expressions and body language. Second, the workplace’s physical environment should be designed with accessibility. This might mean installing visual fire alarms, providing written materials and audio recordings, and making sure that meeting rooms are equipped with loop systems. Third, companies should make an effort to hire deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. This helps to promote diversity and ensures that there are employees who are familiar with the challenges that deaf or hard-of-hearing colleagues might face. By taking these steps, companies can create a more inclusive culture that welcomes all employees.
These are just a few things companies can do to hire and manage deaf or hard-of-hearing employees. By taking these steps, companies can create a more inclusive workplace culture and set themselves up for success in today’s economy.
