Blog & Vlog

Bridging the Communication Gap

By Guest Blogger on August 18, 2010

Donicé R. Kaufman, Bridges’s Director of the Living Well Program, is this week’s guest blogger. 

For a hearing person, the idea of trying to communicate with a deaf person can be daunting, especially in the midst of an emergency.  For those who have any type of hearing loss, the language barrier can cause serious problems.

So, we invited CEPIN (Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network) to lead an 8-hour workshop on emergency and disaster preparedness between first responders and people with hearing loss.  We worked hard examining different aspects of effective communication, cultural differences, and perspectives.  First responders learned about Deaf culture and issues of consumers with hearing loss dispelling myths and aiding understanding.  Consumers learned the perspective and job requirements of first responders generating awareness and fostering trust. 

Despite the differences between hearing and non-hearing consumers, emergency and disaster preparedness is remarkably similar for everyone:

1. Always keep a list of any medical conditions, allergies, medications, etc. on your person.
2. Prepare an emergency kit to include items such as water, snacks, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries for assistive listening devices.
3. Make sure you have a plan BEFORE an emergency happens and PRACTICE!

Get prepared.  Learn what you can do to stay safe and alive.  And if you want to know more, call me at Bridges.  I’m already planning a fire safety class for September.  I look forward to seeing you soon.

~Donicé

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