Be an Inclusive Employer
To be inclusive of all d/Deaf people, staff and customers, there are many ways to become a deaf friendly employer!
Recruitment Processes
NEXT are beginning to review their job advertisements to ensure that we are actively encouraging all aspects of diversity in the recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from all underrepresented groups into roles within NEXT.
When interviewing candidates talk directly with them to find out what communication style will suit them best - we want to be clear that we want to get the best out of candidates and to facilitate that to provide an environment for this to happen.
We need to move away from assuming that we know what individuals need. There are different types of deafness and hard of hearing, and individuals within these communities will have different prefered ways of communicating.
Organisational Learning and Development
We have skilled work coaches who are in place to support d/Deaf employees both current and prospective. We are equipped with the skills to grow our workforce from within and support our colleagues to thrive.
Find Communication That Works!
People within the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community will have different communication needs. Let's take the time to educate ourselves about the different communication methods out there...these may include:
sign language interpreters - there are two main sign languages, BSL (British Sign Language) and International Sign Language. Remember sign language is a language all on its own with different accents too.
lip speakers - using clear lip shapes, facial expressions and gestures to communicate what is being said
Electronic note takers - they can type a summary of the spoken word onto a computer using specialist software
Speech to text reporters - use a phonetic keyboard to capture word for word recording of speech, which then then be linked to a communication screen.
hearing loop systems
Eligible employees are entitled to practical support in the workplace through Access to Work. This could include a grant to improve communication methods for d/Deaf people including interpreters. Learning how to communicate with d/Deaf people in the workplace will enable all to grow, develop and thrive.
