Effective Strategies for Communicating with the Deaf/Hard of Hearing for First Responders & Healthcare Professionals

This 16-hour workshop is an interactive presentation with hands-on activities led by two professional instructors who are deaf or hard of hearing with extensive experience in public safety. Participants will be able to demonstrate effective strategies of communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing by:

• Explaining how effective communication reduces trauma to victims during events, emergencies, or disasters;
• Outlining effective communication prior to, during, and after incidents of public safety involving including those with other access and functional needs;
• Comparing various sub-groups and their communication needs;
• Recognizing and avoiding legal and safety missteps;
• Demonstrating how to deal with stress from communication barriers when assisting people who are deaf or hard of hearing.