Deaf Ministries

You are planning a meeting and want to make it accessible to Deaf, Deafened and Hard of Hearing People. Accessibility for people with a hearing loss means having access to communication. By providing one or a combination of the following, you can ensure that your meeting will be accessible.

For Deaf or Deafened Participants

• Sign Language Interpreter(s) facilitates communication between people who use sign language and those who do not.
• TTY Telephone allows telecommunication device users to contact you directly for additional information about the meeting. If you should not have access to such a phone then you may use the Bell Relay Service (BRS). This is a service that facilitates communication between yourself and a user of the TTY (check your phone book for the phone number of BRS).

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For Hard of Hearing Participants

• Assistive Listening System improves sound reception and overcomes problems due to distance and noise.
• Oral Interpreter(s) facilitates communication for Hard of Hearing and Deafened People.
• Accessible Telephones equipped with flux coils and volume controls that allow people with hearing aids to make outgoing calls.

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For All Groups of Participants

• Trained Notetaker(s): provides a written account of the proceedings.
• Visual Presentation of Text through real-time captioning, computerized notetaking or overhead projector for all to read.
• Captioned Films and Videos: are subtitled to allow reading of the spoken message.
• Visual Fire Alarms: flashing strobe lights installed for the safety of those people who cannot hear the audible alarm.
• Trained Staff: who can operate and maintain technical devices and communicate effectively with participants.
• International Symbol of Access: displayed to identify buildings, meeting rooms and special areas inside that are accessible.

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Tips

• Ask the Deaf, Deafened and/or Hard of Hearing participant(s) for input on how to make the meeting accessible.
• Ensure that the assistive listening system is working properly.
• Test for electrical interference that may affect hearing aids and assistive listening systems. (e.g. air conditioners, flourescent lights)
• Confirm that interpreter(s), notetaker(s) and participant(s) are ready to begin before starting the meeting.
• Take periodic breaks to prevent interpreter(s), notetaker(s) and participants from becoming over-tired.
• Choose meeting rooms that are free of obstructions, such as pillars and hanging obstacles, that block signing and lip reading.
• Ensure meeting rooms have proper lighting and ventilation.

Remember, communication is everyone's responsibility.

This information has been reproduced with permission from the Canadian Hearing Society.*