PARTICIPATIONDeputy Director, Advocacy and Alliances for Inclusive Development, CBM. ‘Nothing about us without us’ has been a slogan of the disability rights movement for decades. Participation is fundamentally about people with disabilities participating in decisions that relate to them so that actions affecting people with disabilities are not planned or performed without their input. This guiding principle highlights the need for people with disabilities to be brought into the process in such a way that they can directly influence decisions. This results in greater inclusion of people with disabilities and also brings with it lasting change. Extensive involvement of people with disabilities will build skills and capacity. At the same time, people with and without disabilities working alongside each other can often foster changes in attitudes and understanding about the abilities, contributions, and aspirations of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are often empowered and enabled by the confidence and skills that result from the fostering of genuine partnerships. These partnerships can include partnering with families, wider support networks, service providers, and community leaders, where appropriate. Working in partnership with disabled people's organisations (DPOs) is a very effective strategy (page 12).
Even without the added issue of hearing loss, conversations require a lot of focus, energy and patience. For people with hearing loss or other hearing impairments, a noisy environment or friends who speak too quickly can make communication extra challenging. Restaurant background noise is one of the most common challenges when talking tosomeone with hearing loss. Below are some things that you can do to help facilitate communication when someone has hearing loss, whether that person is you—or a loved one, friend, or coworker. Please note this article is for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss. People who have untreated profound hearing loss, or are Deaf, have different communication methods that will be more effective than the ones discussed below. More on degrees of hearing loss. How to talk to someone with hearing lossSome environments are much easier for communication for people who are hearing impaired. Here are some things you can do to ensure the environment is perfect for communication:
Here are a few examples of using the above tips to pick an appropriate environment for communication:
Hard of hearing communication tipsHere are some do's and don'ts you can keep in mind to help facilitate better conversations and include someone with hearing loss:
How hearing loss affects communicationSometimes, there will be a breakdown in communication. Here are some things that you can do to get back on track for successful conversation with your friend, family member or colleague:
The impact of hearing lossMany of these problems can be improved if the person wears properly adjusted hearing aids. If you or a loved one needs a hearing test, you can find can find trusted hearing specialists and audiologists near you with our directory. |