How to Communicate With a Deaf Child

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:CommunicateWithDeafChild
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How to Communicate With a Deaf Child

Introduction

Many adults don't know what to do when they encounter a deaf child. Often teachers, medical professionals, social workers and other individuals don't know where or how to begin establishing communication with these children. Communicating with a deaf child can be difficult because children may not know as many signs, may not lip-read and often don't know how to help a hearing person talk to them. Read on to learn how to communicate with a deaf child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Remember that deaf children are just like other children--they like to interact with adults and receive their attention. Try not to let your nervousness keep you from playing with or talking to a deaf child.
2

Step Two

Gestures go a long way, and you often don't need to know the "correct" sign to get your point across. Pointing, pantomime and facial expressions can be sufficient.
3

Step Three

Learn some of the signs that are used most in everyday life. Just a few dozen signs can go a long way. Specifically work on signs for family, food, feelings and needs.
4

Step Four

Be sure that you have a deaf child's attention before you try to communicate. A common way to gain a deaf person's attention is to gently tap her on the shoulder or to wave your hand in her line of sight, but not directly in her face. Like most children, deaf kids can be distracted, so make sure that she is looking at you and that you keep her attention until you are finished signing.
5

Step Five

Watch carefully when a deaf child is talking to you, and try to understand what he is signing. If that doesn't work, you can ask him to repeat it, sign more slowly or simply to show you what he is talking about.
6

Step Six

Usually a hearing sibling can interpret for a deaf child if necessary. However, use this as a last resort because the deaf child would prefer to communicate directly with you, and the hearing child may become tired of having to translate everything.
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