A common question when we start sharing our insights about our initiatives and mentoring programmes at Oorjja with anyone new to the concept is, “How could I communicate with a hearing-impaired person while teaching them?” But we are glad many of those who ask this question have changed the way they looked at it when they got the basics right from us. What we always like to tell the ones who get excited and worried about the aspect of communication while teaching them is this-
Oftentimes, it is not communication that is the real barrier. The barriers are always within us. It is in the way we think about what is not possible. Bringing everyone into the conversation gets easy when we are mindful of one another.
Even my first question to my friend, Sandeep Salmon, the UI/UX Mentor at Oorjja, when he talked more about the mentoring programs here, was about how one could train people with disabilities like we train others. What struck me by the end of my conversation with him was that we often forget to look at the bright side of certain things. It’s not our fault, but most of us are wired to panic first at the sight or thought of something foreign. Not to worry, this goes away with guidance from someone who has been part of the journey, someone who has seen the possibilities. We need to reinstate their optimism, and for that, we need positive affirmations. The only thing we need to own is a good heart that is willing to share our skills and values, compassionately.
Sandeep also shared about the mentorship experience at Oorjja that changed how he interacted with people everywhere and how he became more expressive during a conversation with someone. He talked about how rewarding it was to see an unexpected change in himself, and how he became more pleasant and engaging while interacting with people outside Oorjja.
The lesson is always fresh when you meet and talk with someone with special needs because as we might forget, everyone with a hearing disability comes with a different level of ability as well, whether it is to grasp something or to bring something to the table. It is only when we meet and try to have a conversation with them we understand what works for each individual. Having said that, we have compiled a few of the basic tips that can boost your confidence if you’re new to the setting as a mentor or someone new to interacting with a hearing-impaired person. We’re sure these will lay the foundation of your journey in empowering everyone with special hearing needs.
Good Lighting Encourages Easier Conversations
Did you know that total impairment in hearing is correlated to an improved ability to see moving objects and increased visual attention? The ability of hearing-impaired people to read lips is what helps them to comprehend a conversation more. Make sure to take a seat in a setting with good lighting when you are about to start a conversation with some with special needs. You don’t have to make a mention of it to them, do it voluntarily, and it’ll be appreciated by them subtly.
Offer More Inclusivity in Groups
If you’re going to have a hearing-impaired person with your group for a discussion, make sure that they can have a seat in the middle of the table to help them see everyone. Inclusivity is the key to supporting those in need, and it need not be just the case of a hearing-impaired person. They can grasp the conversations better if they’re seated comfortably from where they can see everyone clearly, compared to a situation where they have to try hard to listen and communicate across the table.
Consider the Sound Environment
Do we have to say that parties and such gatherings can be difficult for people with hearing difficulties? Group conversations can make hearing pretty difficult. So, speaking slowly one after the other will make it easy for them to grasp. Make sure that you do such discussions in environments without any external noise disturbances. It is our responsibility to support the special needs of someone while they are with us. Ensure that you’ll be there thoroughly to clarify if they do not understand something, doing this will make them feel supported enough to approach you right away rather than continue with wild imaginations and wrong thoughts.
Show support, Take Action at the Right Time
Always have an eye for a group member or a loved one with hearing impairedness having trouble continuing with the conversation or withdrawing from social settings. People with hearing disabilities will tend to isolate themselves often and quickly from crowded environments. Too much social isolation will lead to depression and cognitive impairment in the longer run. Hence, we must be part of the action.
If we close our eyes and take an honest moment with ourselves and think of a situation, maybe in the next life, when we have to swap our life with a person with a hearing disability, how would we wish others to treat us? How would we wish for someone to see our struggles? And, how would we feel when someone came along and onboarded us after seeing the light within us, saying our dreams don’t really have a limit? Now, aren’t you admiring that imaginary person who came along for you? Be that someone for another person, the time is not later, but now!
