For Hearing People…

Helpful tip: Remember, like any language, it’s best to learn from a native user of ASL – so be sure to ask what the instructor’s background is. Ideally, it should be from someone who is culturally Deaf and/or grew up using ASL fluently.

Here are some options:

• Rochester School for the Deaf
• Check your local Parks and Recreation centers – often they’ll provide beginner’s classes.
• Some local school districts offer ASL as a foreign language in high school.
• There are a variety of online resources, but you should know there are different levels. Some are basic YouTube videos while others provide ASL conversations you can watch. The best way to learn ASL is by immersing yourself in the language and culture, just as you would when traveling to another country.
• Try “Silent Dinners” where everyone avoids using their voices – it is a great opportunity to practice your ASL skills!
• Monroe Community College offers college-level ASL classes.
• National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology has a large Deaf/Hard of hearing community and an ASL-English Interpretation program, although it is geared toward students accepted into the BS program.
• The Signing Room – a virtual, online platform to practice ASL skills.

NO! While it may look pretty and easy, ASL interpreters go through rigorous training through accredited universities, formal training programs, and national/state certification processes.

Could you imagine interpreting complicated physics equations at the college level or interpreting for a doctor explaining a complicated medical procedure to a Deaf patient? ASL is not simply word-for-word translation. Interpreters explain concepts and context so that the message is clear and understood.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the many ASL interpreters in the Rochester community who do an amazing job facilitating communication between hearing, Deaf, and Hard of hearing people!

NO! That is like assuming your very hard-of-hearing grandmother knows sign language. Many factors determine if someone knows or uses ASL.

Some children grow up learning ASL at home or school, while others may not have been exposed to ASL. It is best to ask someone how they prefer to communicate instead of assuming.

• YES – we welcome anyone to attend! Feel free to jump in and join the conversation. Practice what you learned and be open to picking up more ASL. Like any language, you need to use it or you lose it! Your support and allyship means so much to us!

• Please use more modern language – Deaf/Hard of hearing is the socially accepted way to identify someone with a hearing loss. “Hearing-impaired” is medical terminology that suggests an impairment is present. However, many Deaf/Hard of hearing people do not view themselves through an impairment lens and embrace their identity while adapting with or without amplification.

• Ensure that the person is looking at you before communicating.
• Try speaking normally face-to-face.
• If the person gestures that they are Deaf, offer a pen/paper or use your phone’s voice-to-text/text messaging to communicate back and forth.
• If you know some ASL, try what you know! Remember, not everyone can hear or lip-read. Everyone communicates differently.
• Your willingness to try makes a difference. Gestures, body language, facial expressions, and a smile can communicate a lot.

• Every person who identifies as Deaf-Blind have different hearing/visual needs. The person who is Deaf-Blind (or “DB”) may have some vision and some examples are demonstrated on this YouTube link. Some people may use a CDI (Certified Deaf Interpreter) and/or a SSP (Support Service Provider) to assist with communication support. It is best to ask the person directly how to assist with communication and they will let you know.

• A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is a deaf or hard-of-hearing professional certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf who possesses native fluency in sign language and specialized training in cultural mediation. They bridge profound communication gaps by working as a team with hearing sign language interpreters during complex legal, medical, or diverse language assignments.

How Relay Interpreting Works

• Hearing Interpreter: Listens to spoken English and translates it into standard American Sign Language (ASL) for the CDI.
• Certified Deaf Interpreter: Receives the standard ASL and adapts, refines, or translates it into the specific visual, gestural, or regional sign variation needed by the deaf individual.
• The Return Path: The process reverses to accurately translate the deaf client’s response back to the hearing participant.

Why a CDI is Needed

• Lived Experience: Brings an innate understanding of Deaf culture, nuance, and regional idioms that hearing interpreters might miss.
• Non-Standard Language: Excels at interpreting for individuals who use foreign sign languages, home signs, minimal language skills, or physical/tactile adaptations like DeafBlind communication.
• Critical Settings: Essential in high-stakes environments like courts or hospitals where total.

That’s completely fine. We appreciate when someone takes extra time to communicate with us. Here are some options:

• Pen and paper works in a pinch.
• Gestures, pointing, body language, and facial expressions convey much more information than you may realize.
• Use your phone’s speech-to-text capabilities. Speak or type in your notes app and show the text to a D/HH person.
• Android’s built-in Live Transcribe app works very well.
• Apple users can use apps such as Voice Memos, Otter.AI, and Dragon Dictation.
• Consider using Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) or captioning technology.
• For meetings, discuss communication needs with the person. Accommodations may include seating closer to the speaker or preferred seating.
• Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Webex have built-in captioning. Captioning continues improving but may not be 100% accurate and can have delays.

Consider hiring someone who is Deaf/Hard of hearing. The best way to learn a language is through daily use and immersion.

NTID’s Co-op and Career Center is a great place to start for internships, co-ops, and employment opportunities.

If you work in hospitality, here is a terrific training module thanks to Visit Rochester .

Great question! Deafness can occur for many reasons. Some people are born Deaf due to genetics, pregnancy complications, illness, or medications. Hearing loss may also happen later due to illness, head trauma, damage to the inner ear, eardrum, or auditory nerves.

Hearing loss can progress over time or happen suddenly. Protect your hearing by keeping volume levels safe and avoiding excessive loud noise exposure.

Every person’s experience is different. Some people navigate communication challenges using different tools, while others prefer ASL or interpreters.

What a person hears varies greatly. Someone may hear well with a cochlear implant or hearing aid, but may not hear when the device battery dies or when the device is removed.

You cannot always assume someone’s hearing ability. Communication needs are different for everyone.

Ensure there is eye contact. Wave or smile. If they are not looking at you, try turning lights on/off, gently tapping their shoulder, stomping on the floor, or tapping a desk.

Deaf people are often very aware of their environment and can notice vibrations and external cues.

This is a common misconception. The answer is: it depends. Some people can lip-read and others cannot.

Lip-reading requires filling in many missing pieces because many words look similar. For example, “fan” and “van” have similar mouth movements. Context helps determine meaning.

Lip-reading all day can also be mentally and physically exhausting, so please be patient and understanding.

• No. Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other amplification devices do not work for everyone. They are personal choices and tools to assist communication, but they are not a cure for deafness.

Hearing people learn speech by listening and copying sounds. If a Deaf person cannot hear speech, they may have different speech patterns.

Language access is important, especially during early childhood development. Speech differences depend on many factors including hearing level, amplification, and speech therapy.

CODA stands for “Child Of Deaf Adults.” A CODA grows up in a family where one or both parents are Deaf/Hard of hearing. They may learn ASL and Deaf cultural experiences.

Not all CODAs become ASL interpreters. A great example of the CODA experience is the Oscar-winning movie “CODA.”

Consider hiring a Deaf/Hard of hearing employee! They can help you understand small changes that make your business more Deaf-friendly while helping you learn about ASL and Deaf culture.

Many Deaf/Hard of hearing people want to work but may hesitate to apply because they worry about communication barriers. Your willingness to try and collaborate makes a meaningful difference.

This is just the tip of the iceberg! The Deaf community has made incredible contributions in entertainment, arts, media, literature, and many other fields.

• Movies and TV featuring Deaf characters
  Deaf actors, writers, and creators continue to bring authentic Deaf experiences and stories to the screen.
• Nyle DiMarco
  Deaf actor, model, activist, and winner of Dancing with the Stars .
• Sean Forbes
  Deaf rapper known for his music and advocacy, including the message of being “Deaf and Loud.”
• Troy Kotsur
  Academy Award-winning Deaf actor known for his role in CODA and his appearance on Sesame Street .
• Pi00a
  Deaf entrepreneur who appeared on Shark Tank .
• Deaf Authors
  Explore books written by Deaf authors and stories highlighting Deaf experiences:
  Goodreads – Deaf Authors