Accommodating Workers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
November 16, 2018 Greg Thomson
The Employment Standard under the AODA requires employers to accommodate workers with disabilities. Employers can make the workplace accessible for workers who are deaf or hard of hearing if they learn about the kinds of accommodations workers might need.
Here we outline some ways that employers and colleagues can communicate with and accommodate workers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Workers will explain the communication methods that work best for them.
Accommodating Workers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
American Sign Language (ASL)
English-Canadian people who are Deaf often use American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is a visual language. For instance, signers convey meaning through:
- Hand shapes and positions
- Movements
- Facial expressions
ASL is a complete language with its own grammar. Moreover, many people identify ASL as their first language and learn English as a second language. Workers may communicate with people who do not sign by either:
- Speaking;
- Gesturing; or
- Writing
Sign Language Interpretation
Sign language interpreters are professionals who understand Deaf and hearing cultures. They are trained to interpret between signed and spoken languages. Employers or workers should arrange to have an interpreter at various work events. For instance, at:
- Job interviews
- Training
- Meetings
- Disciplinary Actions
- Performance reviews
Ontario Interpreter Services (OIS) makes [...]