Masks pose additional challenges for deaf individuals, be sensitive

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All of us are more challenged to understand one another in a masked world, but the hearing have a clear advantage. Have you ever thought about how difficult it is for our deaf citizens to communicate in this climate?
Of course, the American Speech-Language Hearing Association unequivocally advocates for mask-wearing. In a statement issued today, they simply want to stress the need for heightened awareness and tactful, sensitive changes in our communication methods with the deaf:
“When messages aren’t received correctly, this can result not only in frustration, but also put people at risk for serious harm--especially in medical or emergency situations, ” said Dr. A. Lynn Williams, 2021 ASHA President.
The association has advocated for the wearing of clear masks in order to aid in communication with deaf persons, successfully petitioning the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to include this in their June 2020 guidance.
Tips for communicating with deaf individuals while we must mask up include:
- move to a quieter place
- have your partner’s full attention before speaking
- use your whole body to communicate
- talk a little slower
- ask if you were understood, and if not write down your message
- directly face the individual, ensuring nothing is blocking their view
Now that we are often double masking--a recommendation as mutations circulate, and often circulate more quickly and ubiquitously--the aforementioned guidance is even more critical.
Photo: Helen Keller with her tutor Anne Sullivan, Wikimedia Commons Images.

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