Supporting a Deaf young person cont.
Support a Deaf lipreading young person
Check with the young person what their preferred communicative approach and method is at initial contact. This could include lipreading or writing/using pictures. Whichever communication method you use, you should always: – Try to move to a less (visually or auditorily) distracting location – Be aware of lighting and ensure the Deaf young person can see your face and is not directly facing light – Clearly explain your intentions before you act, e.g., changing chairs or responding to a knock on the door Be aware that: – A deaf young person may not understand either the word or concept of some mental health terminology, i.e. ‘suicide’ – A deaf young person may feel anxious when entering a new space and communicating with a new person due to the room design or environment Speaking and lipreading Be aware that lipreading may feel inadequate as a form of communication, and may cause fatigue for the deaf young person. This is especially true if they are in emotional distress. There are some things you can do to make communicating with you easier. Ask the young person if they have someone who can support them, such as a youth worker via Deaf youth groups or council sensory teams. In a crisis, encourage the young person to text ‘DEAF’ to 85258 for free and immediate support from SHOUT. Sit and support them while they contact the helpline.
Page 182
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker