During any sort of emergency, it’s important for people with various speech and hearing limitations to have the ability to communicate and receive information effectively.
Communication is important to get ideas and information across to people. Most people don’t give the simple act of communicating a second thought. People with hearing and other communication disabilities must have the information conveyed to them in a way they can understand while being able to communicate their needs as well. Effective communication is extremely important in these instances.
Simply put, effective communication means whatever is written or spoken must be as clear and understandable to people with disabilities as it is for people who do not have a disability. For people with hearing disabilities, utilizing the services of an Oral interpreter or an American Sign Language interpreter are excellent examples that help facilitate effective communication.
Oral interpreters use silent lip movements to repeat spoken words. American Sign Language is visual in nature. Sign language is not a universal language. Just like there are many different languages spoken around the world, each country has its own sign language. It’s also important to know that American Sign Language (ASL) is not the same as English. For example, it may not be effective communication to use note taking with an individual who is deaf in place of American Sign Language. The best way to avoid any guesswork or miscommunication is to ask the person what type of communication works best for them. It’s important to remember that the individual is the expert on their disability. They know what is best for their particular situation.
An ongoing theme I stress in many of my writings is the availability and use of assistive technology. Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment software program or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. Assistive technology takes many forms. Most recently, there has been an increase in the use of 911 to text messaging. This not only helps someone who can’t speak due to a dangerous situation, but also someone unable to communicate due to a speech disability or other impairment that hinders communication.
AAC devices can also be another option for communication. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices help people with communication disorders express themselves. These devices can range from a simple picture board to a computer program that synthesizes speech from text.
In a news story recently broadcasted, the work of sign language interpreters was highlighted. It showed how they bridge the gap of communication to help deliver important information. The impact their work makes on people’s lives, quite often behind the scenes, is crucial to allow access for all.
It was good to see the sign language interpreter out in front because it showed that not only were government officials doing their due diligence to ensure everyone has access to needed information, but was a visible acknowledgement of an ongoing effort for increased inclusion in the community. During a time of so much political divide and uncertainty in our country, it felt like a way our community was somehow being unified. The fact that the local news station invested the time and effort in putting the story together also demonstrated a shift toward further inclusion of people with disabilities in society.
The availability of accurate information is always important for everyone. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have other communication disabilities are a population that must receive communication and be able to express ideas in alternate formats accessible to them. Sign language interpreters and other varying modes of communication are an integral part of that equation. They provide a gateway that wouldn’t otherwise be available but continues to be extremely needed.