Welcome Deaf Awareness mini-presentation Presentation by Victoria Lessing September 2016
Programme Difference between hearing-impaired & Deaf (based from medical and cultural perspectives) An overview of Deaf community (diversity within the community) Communication tips with Deaf people Sign Language Sample session Visual technologies & resources New Zealand Sign Language interpreters
Terminology What is the difference between a Deaf or Hearing-impaired person? Group Discussion
Using appropriate labels Acceptable Deaf / deaf hearing impaired hard of hearing profoundly deaf hearing loss Inappropriate stone deaf disabled handicapped deaf-dumb deaf-mute
Hearing-impaired and Deaf Hearing-impaired Follow hearing rules, behaviour Use spoken English Use no/little NZSL More hearing friends Deaf people Have their own culture Use New Zealand Sign Language Use no/little spoken English More sign language friends 400,000 9,000
Medical view Cultural view Deafness is a medical problem with the ears Language delay problems with speech and language Use technology to improve or treat hearing problem Rehabilitate Deaf people to be like hearing people: normalise, cure deafness Deaf people have the right to use sign language Deaf ways and behaviour are a different culture not abnormal Being Deaf is okay and normal for Deaf people it is not an illness, and does not need to be fixed by technology Deaf people are a natural community Source: Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand
An overview of the Deaf community Rural/urban Deaf Maori Deaf Deaf - blind Deaf plus Oral deaf Deaf with a capital D deaf with a small d Deaf children Gay and Lesbian Deaf Deaf immigrants
Communication opportunities
Getting the attention of a Deaf person Eye contact Waving Shoulder tap
Using English written language Deaf people have widely different levels of speaking ability and knowledge of English. Deaf people value independence and the opportunities that are available with texting and emailing. Many Deaf people have poor literacy and/or cannot afford to use a text communication system.
Facial Expressions Face is an important aspect of politeness in Deaf community Nodding = Yes, I understand you Frown = Huh, what do you mean? Open Mouth = Surprise. Really!? I didn t know!
Using facial expressions Activity: sign mood e.g. sick with varying intensity. sick coughing have a flu Practise with different signs: sick, coughing, flu
Using facial expressions Activity: sign mood e.g. sick with varying intensity. headache stress nervous Practise with different signs: headache, stress, nervous
Deaf-friendly environment
Spot the difference
Visual distractions
Spot the difference
After hours - intercom
Training/meeting room
Interpreters and visual technologies
NZSL Interpreters responsibility Approx. 70-80 NZSL interpreters in NZ Interpret between NZSL and English Adapt to each Deaf person s communication styles Cultural mediation between Deaf and hearing Follow the Code of Ethics and Conduct Interpreter
Interpreter s position Deaf
Alarm clock Visual technologies available Doorbell Baby cry alarm Webcam / Video Phone Smoke detector Captioned TV
New Zealand Sign Language
What is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL)? Official Language in NZ (NZSL Act 2006) Approx. 30,000 kiwis understand NZSL Uses lots of facial features and hands (no voice) Separate from English
Basic Rules of Sign Language Couple of things to remember: Use your dominant hand Stand with plenty of space in between Using voice is not necessary
Grammatical structure WH questions (what, who, where) 1. Lower eyebrows 2. Put wh question at the end of sentence 3. Hold last sign in the sentence (usually wh word sign) 4. While holding, make eye contact. PILL WHERE TIME WHAT
Ask about wellbeing A: Ask how is the patient. B: Reply. good fine okay/alright sick
Basic everyday s signs Morning Lunch Evening
Basic food and drink signs
Basic health-related signs
Practice dialogue A: Give greetings B: Reply A: Want me to help you? B: Reply A: Ask for a feeling? B: Reply
Practice dialogue A: Tell you want something. B: Reply.
Practice conversation in the room
Book us For a 4-week or 8-week course NZSL Online Dictionary http://nzsl.vuw.ac.nz/ Learn more NZSL Private Tutorials with a Deaf Tutor NZSL classes at Auckland Deaf Society (Mt Eden) Good time to join now! NZSL classes usually start in February or July each year. NZSL DVD/workbooks www.nzslta.org.nz
Summary Book a qualified NZSL interpreter in any situations which involve Deaf people. 70% of information is lost or misread when lip-reading. It is highly recommended for all staff to build a knowledge of NZSL skills. The average literacy age of a Deaf adult is 8.5 years so use KISS (Keep it Short and Simple) when writing. The Deaf community are a natural cultural and linguistic minority group. Consider about setting up NZSL class in your workplace.
Thank you handwaves!