IT was a fine Friday morn, when I walked into Costa Coffee and found ONLY hearing impaired employees manning the joint. Behind the cash counter, serving us etc. Perhaps their sincerity and hardwork has inspired in the management, a higher level of trust and faith in their abilities.
This realisation seems to hold water according to this report in SiliconIndia.com, about how several food chains like KFC, CCD and Barista, are absorbing hearing impaired boys and girls and employing them in all kinds of roles, not just serving.
The Noida’ Deaf Society’s blog chronicles some great success stories, like this entry about how their students were absorbed by Mphasis, Pune. Obviously, managements have come to realise that their employees and customers, are liking this trend.
Someone once described my sister as endearing, and I sense that this is the same feeling many a customer feels. But perhaps, it not the only reason they are liking it. Shikha Goswami, a Delhi University student was quoted as saying in the article,” It feels so good to encourage them and just a ‘thumbs up’ from them after they deliver the right order on the table makes you feel good as a human being.” Her interaction with a hearing impaired individual made her feel good too. Now, that’s a win-win situation.
However, in the past six months or so, I have come to realise that one needs a little exposure to hone one’s communication skills. Hence, have jotted down a few pointers on bridging the communication gap between those who can and cannot hear.
- Everything starts with a smile. When you enter a restaurant/ restaurant flash your pearly whites from ear to ear. Hearing impaired employees shall warm up to you right away.
- Eye contact is a must. It will put everyone at ease, including yourself.
- Use facial expressions generously, especially your eyes.
- Enunciate your words very well, and speak slowly, as some hearing impaired folks can lip-read.
- Use your hands and body to make gestures. Don’t feel conscious. Remember those theatre workshops from your school days? Now’s the time to put them to practice and let go of all inhibitions.
- Point out what you want in the menu or towards the display, and use fingers to indicate how many apple pie slices or chicken tikka sandwiches you wish to demolish.
- If you want something customised, write it on a piece of paper (in legible handwriting).
- When you are paying the bill in a self-service joint, the cashier can either give you the bill or show you the figure on the calculator.
- Learn how to say thank-you in sign language. It’s very simple. Keep your fingers on your chin and then move your hand towards them, and gently tilt your head in gratitude. This boy does it beautifully in this video demo.
American Sign Language is a little different from India Sign language, and the good news is that The Deaf Way Foundation has done a BRILLIANT job of compiling a website featuring videos with every sign you must know, right from alphabets to animals to politics, religion and body parts.
So, anyone wishing to learn can do so for free and give your hearing impaired friends, colleagues, executives, a nice little surprise!
written with alot of passion