The Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Technology, Sign Language & Access in Daily Life

For millions of people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), communication isn’t just about sound—it’s about connection, identity, and access. While hearing individuals often rely on spoken language, the DHH community uses a wide variety of communication methods to express themselves and engage with the world.

For far too long, there’s been a pervasive notion that speaking and listening is the “normal” way to communicate—a standard many DHH individuals have been pressured to meet in order to be accepted. But that outdated expectation erases the richness and legitimacy of other modes of expression. Sign language, writing, gesture, and technology-assisted tools are not alternatives—they are equally valid, powerful ways to connect.

As we move toward a more inclusive and empathetic society, it’s time to dismantle the idea that speech is the gold standard. True accessibility means embracing all communication styles, respecting personal choices, and building environments where no one has to conform in order to be understood.

Sign Languages

Sign languages are fully developed natural languages with their own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. They are not merely visual translations of spoken languages.

American Sign Language (ASL): Commonly used in the U.S. and parts of Canada, ASL combines signs, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning.

Other regional sign languages: include British Sign Language (BSL), Auslan (Australia), and LSF (France), each shaped by unique cultural and linguistic histories. There are over 300 sign languages in the world - hence it's not universal like many people believe.

Just like spoken languages, sign languages have dialects, regional signs, and evolve over time.

Oral and Auditory Approaches

Some people who are DHH prefer oral communication and develop their speech and lipreading skills through specialized training.

Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT): Focuses on developing listening and spoken language skills through the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Lipreading (Speechreading): Involves visually interpreting the movements of the lips, face, and tongue. It can be useful, but also challenging due to the similarity in lip movements for different sounds. Understand that only about 30% - 40% of speech is actually visible on the lips.

Keep in mind that auditory tools are just that - tools. They are not cures for deafness.

Text-Based and Visual Communication

Technology has dramatically expanded communication options for the DHH community, making real-time interaction more accessible than ever.

Text messaging and email: Ubiquitous and easy to use for everyday communication.

Video relay services (VRS): Allow individuals to sign to an interpreter who voices their message to a hearing person on the phone, and vice versa.

Speech-to-text apps: Convert spoken language into text in real time, such as Ava or Google’s Live Transcribe.

Captioning: Essential for access to media, captions can be live, automatic, or manually created for accuracy.

Real-time captioning services (CART): Often used in classrooms or conferences to provide instant on-screen transcription.

Video calls (FaceTime, Zoom): Visual communication enables signing, lipreading, and gesture-based interaction.

Dos and Don’ts When Communicating with DHH Individuals

Creating a respectful and inclusive communication environment starts with simple awareness. Here are some helpful practices:

Do:

• Get their attention first by waving, gently tapping the shoulder, or using lights.
• Maintain eye contact, it’s crucial for effective visual communication.
• Speak clearly and naturally if the person lipreads, avoid exaggerating words.
• Use gestures or write things down if necessary.
• Ask their preference for communication, some may prefer signing, others writing or speaking.
• Ensure good lighting and face visibility for lipreading or signing.
• Be patient and allow extra time if needed.

Don't

• Don’t shout, this doesn’t help and may be uncomfortable.
• Don’t speak while turning away or covering your mouth.
• Don’t assume all DHH people use the same communication method.
• Don’t ignore them or direct conversation only to a hearing companion.
• Don’t pretend to understand, ask for clarification instead.

Shifting the Standard, Centering Access

The way we communicate is not one-size-fits-all and it shouldn’t be treated that way. For individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, communication methods vary widely and are shaped by choice, context, and access, not by a need to meet outdated expectations.

The responsibility to communicate inclusively doesn’t fall on the DHH community alone. It’s on the hearing world to learn, adapt, and make space. That means asking about preferences, using tools that foster connection, and recognizing all forms of communication as equally valid.

Inclusion isn’t complicated—it just takes intention.

Take the Initiative Don’t wait for inclusion to happen—be part of it. Ask, listen, advocate, and make space. It’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about showing up.