Before You Start:
- Consider the layout of the room (i.e. circular seating) in order to provide good communication.
- Install assistive listening systems.
- Hold meetings in a quiet, well-lit room.
During The Meeting
- Ask deaf or hard-of-hearing employees if they prefer an interpreter.
- Let deaf employees determine the best seating arrangement to see the speaker and interpreter.
- Assign a person to inform deaf or hard-of-hearing employees of important announcements.
- Point to the person who is speaking.
- Watch for signals that deaf or hard-of-hearing employees wish to contribute.
- Ensure that one person speaks at a time.
- Do not pace while giving a presentation.
- Speak clearly and slowly.
- Do not talk with your back to the audience while writing on a blackboard.
After The Meeting
- Have minutes or notes taken for future reference.
- Review critical issues introduced in a meeting to ensure understanding.
Equipment
- Incorporate visual aids, demonstrations, flip charts, written agendas, and handouts in presentations. To learn about accommodations, click here.
