People all have different needs and wants, so to provide incredible customer service, you must have the right preparation. If you have deaf employees or deaf clients, ask yourself this: Is your business really equipped to take care of them? What adjustments do you need to make?

Here are some ideas on how to improve your organization’s awareness.

First, reconsider your job posting requirements. Do you have one that reads, “Must speak, read, and write English”? Not only does this limitation keep out disabled candidates, but it’s potentially illegal depending on your state. Disability cannot be a reason for declining a job application. Whether intentional or unintentional, you’ll want to avoid that phrasing unless you want to be contacted by the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, as wording like that could be seen as a reason for HR to not hire deaf or hard of hearing people who use American Sign Language (ASL).

Second, try to imagine yourself as a deaf employee. Are you communicating with them well enough? In times of urgency, take advantage of text messaging in the workplace to grab their attention. Some say it’s comparable to using a PA system with hearing employees. Whether your company is currently in-person or virtual, you don’t want to leave people out of the loop.

Third, ask yourself this: Are those that need sign language to communicate able to get a translator? If your business denies ALS communication for those that need it, you may be denying them equal access, which is a direct violation of both ADA and Civil Rights laws. Make sure you’re able to provide equal opportunities for deaf people to participate in your business.

Deaf AFEUSA members, or those with deaf loved ones, know how difficult it is to do just about every aspect of life while deaf or hard of hearing. But AFEUSA members can live a little more comfortably, because we’re partnered with American Hearing Benefits, a discount program from Starkley Hearing Technologies, the only major American-owned and operated hearing aid manufacturer. You can get FREE annual hearing consultations, a year of FREE office visits, up to a three-year supply of batteries, and much more. Discover your benefits for you and your loved ones right here!