Not all people who are deaf or hard of hearing can read lips.  For those people, other forms of communication may be necessary.  Some may offer to write messages back and forth.  For some, American Sign Language (ASL) is their first language, and they may require a sign language interpreter to understand proceedings or join in a conversation. 

Persons Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Be descriptive.  Describe goings-on and surroundings, especially obstacles.  You may need to help orient people who are blind or have low vision and let them know what’s coming up.  Be the assistant, not the director.  If you’re asked for assistance, let a person who is blind hold your arm as a guide.  If they’re walking, tell them when they have to step up or step down; let them know if the door is to their right or left; and warn them of possible hazards.

You don’t have to speak loudly to people with visual disabilities.  Most of them can hear just fine.  When appropriate, offer to read written information.  It’s okay to ask people who are blind if they “see what you mean.”  If you’re meeting a person who is blind, identify yourself.  If you’ve met before, remind the person of the context because he or she won’t have the visual cues to jog the memory.   See also separate discussion on service animals.

Persons with Learning Disabilities

Don’t assume the person isn’t listening merely because you’re not getting any verbal or visual feedback.  Instead, ask whether they understand or agree.  Don’t assume you have to explain everything to people with learning disabilities.  They don’t necessarily have a problem with general comprehension.  When necessary, offer to read written material aloud.

Persons with Hidden Disabilities

Not all disabilities are apparent.  A person may have difficulty following a conversation, may not respond when you call or wave, or may say or do something that seems inappropriate.  The person may have a hidden disability such as poor vision, a seizure condition, a hearing loss, a learning disability, a brain injury, a mental disability, or a health condition.  These are just a few of the many different types of hidden disabilities.  Don’t make assumptions about the person or the disability.  Be open-minded.