Fostering an inclusive environment for your Deaf employees may seem like a step into an unknown direction for you and your company. Thankfully, while employing Deaf staff members may be a new venture for you and your business, it is not a new concept globally or even in South Africa. There are many tried and trusted means to ensure that your environment can be inclusive from the start and going forward with your Deaf employees.
Foster an inclusive environment for Deaf employees by encouraging all staff to learn SASL. Participate in Deaf Sensitization workshops and invite a Deaf motivational speaker to events. Provide interpreters for important meetings, include Deaf staff in social communication, and use Deaf-friendly signage and lighting where needed.
If your company has taken the monumental step to hire Deaf employees or is thinking of including this dynamic, you may be wondering how the change might affect the rest of the staff or the company culture as a whole. Read on, to learn a few ways you can ensure an inclusive environment is created and fostered right from the start when hiring Deaf employees. You will also find ways to keep the inclusivity going as it becomes a part of your company’s culture.
Foster Inclusivity by Learning South African Sign Language
Perhaps one of the most shared concerns about hiring Deaf employees is the fact that Deaf people may communicate in a language different from that of the majority of those already employed by the company.
As a leader in your company, you can foster inclusivity by learning South African Sign Language (SASL). Think of it this way: If you were hiring a hearing person who could only speak Bulgarian, for example, you would likely learn a few Bulgarian words and phrases, learn a little about Bulgarian culture, and do what you could to make your new Bulgarian staff member feel comfortable in their new environment.
It is the same with a Deaf staff member. When you hire a Deaf person who can only communicate using SASL, it is helpful to learn a few SASL words and phrases, learn a little about Deaf culture, and do what you can to make your new Deaf staff member feel comfortable in their new environment.
So, how can you go about learning SASL, and how can you get some, or all of your employees to do the same? We are so glad you asked!
Since SASL was officially introduced as South Africa’s 12th official language, it has never been easier to access this deep and beautiful language. You can tap into the resources we have to offer right here, by making use of our SASL online course.
We currently have one online course on offer, with more in the works. You can also book an in-person SASL course at your company for 6 people or more for a hands-on experience for you and your staff.
Knowing the basics of SASL won’t ensure a smooth transition into inclusivity, but it will go a long way in welcoming your Deaf employees and showing your hearing contingency that you are an organisation that cares about every individual.
Foster An Inclusive Environment by Taking a Deaf Sensitization Workshop
Being Deaf comes with an array of additional challenges and unique ways of looking at life and interacting with the world.
When you begin to interact with Deaf individuals, you may be a little confused at first. Mannerisms that may be considered rude in hearing company might be socially acceptable among the Deaf community. Deaf people may use ways different from what you are used to, to gain the attention of the person with whom they wish to communicate.
By taking a Deaf Sensitization workshop through DEAFinition, you will not only show your entire staff that you are willing to understand your employees. You will gain deep insight into the lives and ways of your Deaf staff.
Your new Deaf recruits will no longer seem foreign and unfamiliar to you and your hearing staff. Rather, understanding will be shared and relationships will blossom among colleagues as equals.
Chat with us via the contact page to book a Deaf Sensitization workshop for your staff.
Invite a Deaf Motivational Speaker to Events and Interpreters to Meetings
It can become an isolating experience for Deaf staff members working in an all-hearing environment. Even if leaders and other employees have learned the basics of SASL and have made an effort to welcome the Deaf members into the staff, it can be uplifting to have another Deaf person around from time to time.
Consider inviting a Deaf motivational speaker to your next big event. Our CEO, Nazereen Capitieux-Bhana is ready and waiting to address your staff and inspire you with her deep insights about life and the experiences of a Deaf businesswoman.
Inviting interpreters for meetings shows your Deaf staff members that you care that they understand the information being shared. It also shows that you understand their right to access the information your hearing staff can acquire with ease.
Chat with us to find out how to hire interpreters for your Deaf staff members.
Foster Inclusivity by Including Deaf Staff in Social Events
It may feel a little awkward at first, but a valuable way to foster genuine inclusivity in your company is by ensuring that your Deaf staff are included in social events.
Those after-work drinks, weekend Park Runs, or soup kitchen volunteer nights could be a lot more enjoyable with your new Deaf colleagues along for the experience. Not only will the Deaf individual feel more included, but studies have shown that when a team engages in a common activity, employee engagement and retention go up substantially.
When all staff members are included in social events outside of the workplace, every individual is allowed to discover where they fit in the giant puzzle of the organisation.Â
Use Deaf-Friendly Lighting and Signage Where Necessary
When designing the inclusive workspace, ensure that all safety protocols take into account the specific communication needs of your Deaf employees.
Consider adding images to your written warning signs, flashing lights to your sirens, and safety drills to your monthly plans. These practices will ensure that all your staff can remain safe at all times when in your care and on your premises.
If you need advice or guidance on safety signs for your workplace, simply get in touch with us via our contact page. We are only a click away and always ready to assist.
Wrapping it Up
Fostering an inclusive environment comes down to being willing to welcome your new Deaf staff member with open arms. When you consider the experience of joining the company from their perspective, you will begin to understand how to adapt the environment to better suit their needs. Remember that every individual, Deaf and hearing, wants to do their best for themselves, their leaders, and the company. They simply need to be given the tools to be allowed to do so. As their leader, you have the exciting opportunity to make it happen for them.