Marilyn Weber is the big boss of Deaf Interpreter Services, Inc. (DIS) in San Antonio, Texas. Her journey to the top is a personal one. Her daughter, diagnosed with severe hearing loss at just three years old, led Marilyn to start learning American Sign Language. Now, her business is booming, providing certified interpreters, sign language-focused video productions, and other services.
She shared some tips with Small Business Trends on how entrepreneurs can make their businesses more welcoming to deaf individuals. Here are some highlights:
Embrace the Video Relay System: Think of a deaf person wanting to call a business with hearing staff. Companies like Sorenson work with the FCC to interpret sign language over the phone using video. This tech enables real-time communication in their own language for the deaf individual. It’s crucial for small businesses to understand these systems and educate their staff about them.
Text and Email are Your Friends: Our everyday tech is actually a great fit for deaf clients. Apart from the relay services, text and email are fantastic for communicating with the deaf.
Tweak the Interview Process: Adjusting pre-interview questionnaires and processes to accommodate deaf people is a simple yet significant step. If a deaf person applies to your company, don’t assume they can’t communicate effectively. Avoid questions that only cater to hearing people. A biased questionnaire can unfairly disqualify a deaf person who’s right for the job.
Use Visual Helpers: Video relays are just one way to assist deaf customers. Small businesses can adopt other onsite strategies for a more comfortable experience. For example, making sure fire and smoke alarms have visual cues, like strobe lights, adds to a welcoming atmosphere.
Teach Your Staff Basic Signs: Imagine a deaf customer at a restaurant who wants a specific dish prepared in a certain way. Training staff in basic signs or encouraging note exchanges can be beneficial. This small effort can even help discover if a customer has allergies.
Role-Play at Work: Run through ‘what-if’ scenarios with your staff to better prepare them to serve deaf customers.
Ask Deaf Customers: The simplest solution is often the best. Just ask deaf customers or experts how you can improve. They’re loyal clients and word about businesses that go the extra mile spreads fast in their community.
Target Deaf Markets: If you’ve made accommodations for deaf individuals, targeted advertising can be beneficial. Communities like La Vista in San Marcos, Texas, focus on the deaf and hard of hearing. Seeking out such markets in your area can be fruitful.
Learn Deaf Etiquette: When interacting with a deaf person and an interpreter, speak directly to the deaf person. Avoid phrases like “Tell her I said,” and be straightforward and sincere. Interpreters will sign everything they can understand.
Be Open Minded: Deaf people don’t consider themselves as disabled, and neither should small business owners. Making small accommodations can open up a world of possibilities. As Marilyn says, “They are no different from you, me, or anyone else.”
