Tasks:
- Inclusion counsellors from equalizent support deaf jobseekers and (future) employers in establishing a good working relationship.
- As communication assistants, they ensure barrier-free communication during job interviews and internships.
- They offer support in the first few weeks of work to ensure a smooth start to work/training: they are the contact person for legal and organisational questions and are also used as communication assistants.
- They provide information about deaf culture and give tips on what to bear in mind in everyday working life with deaf and hard of hearing people.
- They provide information on the legal situation regarding the employment of people with hearing impairments.
- You can also contact them about possible financial support.
Integration counselling is funded by the Vienna Regional Office of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
What you should know about deaf people:
Deaf people are not ‘deaf and dumb', they are deaf
The word deaf and dumb was used in the past, but is now considered discriminatory. Deaf people are not speechless, they communicate in sign language, a natural language with an independent and fully-fledged grammar.
Deaf people cannot lip-read everything.
In a conversation, it is possible for deaf people to lip-read. However, depending on the topic and context, they may not be able to lip-read more than 30% of what is said. Various factors influence lip-reading:
- German competence of the deaf person
- Lighting conditions (shadows on the face)
- Speaking speed
- Phrases, long and convoluted sentences
- Full beards
- Chewing gum, piercings, cigarettes in the corner of the mouth
- Dialect
I don't know sign language. How should I communicate with a deaf person?
Deaf people can lip-read up to 30% of what is said. Over time, as you get to know each other better, you will develop a personalised way of communicating. Deaf people often have good ideas, for example writing down words or pointing to things. The more visual the better!
Don’ts:
- I speak very loudly so that the deaf person can understand me better.
Speak at a normal volume and speed. This way, the deaf person can try to read your lips. The shorter and simpler the sentences are, the easier it is to read them. - I touch the deaf person as little as possible, I don't want to be intrusive.
To draw attention to yourself, it is best to touch the deaf person lightly on the side of the shoulder or forearm with the flat of your hand so that the person is not startled. - When we talk in a group, we speak normally.
So that the deaf person can follow the conversation, try not to speak in a jumbled manner. It is best to sit in a circle or semi-circle and show the deaf person who has the floor.
Contact:
ib@equalizent.wien