How do I assist a person with limitations related to hearing?
What to Know | What to Say  |  What to Do

Don’t Panic for Staff Deaf/Hard of Hearing
What to Know:

1. Don’t Panic – your efforts and ingenuity to meet communication needs will demonstrate respect and a willingness to assist the consumer
   
   
2. Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are either VISUAL or AUDITORY communicators.
   - Visual communicators will typically require sign language interpreting or CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation www.cartinfo.org);
   - Auditory communicators may benefit from the use of an FM system for accommodation. Check to see if one is available in your location.
   
   
3. You will need to know how to purchase Sign Language Interpreting (face to face or VRI) and CART services.  Most One-Stop sites and DES offices use contracts for interpreting services.
   
   
4. Once a communication method has been determined, simply serve the needs of the consumer reflecting the Mission, Vision, Goals, Values and Principles of DES   About DES
   
   
5. For TTY calls to RSA [Rehabilitation Services Administration (VR and IL)]:
   - From the Metro Phoenix area call 602-340-7771
   - Toll Free from outside the 480, 602, and 623 area codes call 855-475-8194
   - For calls using Arizona Relay Service, if the 7-1-1 access is not set up at an office, use AZ Relay 800-367-8939
   
   For VOICE calls to RSA:
   - see www.azdes.gov/rsa see "VR Office Near You"

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Don’t Panic for Staff Deaf/Hard of Hearing
What to Say:      (Meet and Greet Script for Consumers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing)

1. "Welcome to __(your site)__.  My name is __(your name)__. 
   How can I help you?
   
   
2. For this initial meeting do you prefer using pen and paper or this device?
   
   
3. How do you like to communicate?  Do you prefer a) sign language, b) amplification  (i.e. FM system) or c) typing or writing the conversation?
   
   
4. If sign language is preferred, it will need to be set up for next visit.  I can show you our list of interpreting agencies – do you have a preferred agency and/or interpreter you would like us to use?"

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Don’t Panic for Staff Deaf/Hard of Hearing
What to Do:
Find the "Accommodations Request Card" Find your center’s notepad, pen AND/OR the on-site Meet and Greet Communication device, if any – either Ubi-Duo, AlphaSmart or two keyboards on a single computer Each Arizona One-Stop and RSA location has a page on this site that lists "On-Site" Assistive Technology and other Information. Find Your Location for Details Find your center’s "On-Site AT" checklist

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