Title: Communication Etiquette with the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing

Tools: Articulate Storyline and Google Slides

Time: 16 hours total

Client: Professional Development

Target Audience: employers who have recently hired or are looking into hiring an employee who is deaf or hard of hearing

Collaborators: Paul Quail (American Sign Language SME)

Executive Summary:

In 2015, the National Bureau of Economic research found that American employers were 34% less likely to hire the deaf or hard-of-hearing, despite the fact that it is illegal to discriminate against these individuals. However, we are committed to creating an inclusive and productive environment for all employees. This course will help both the deaf and HOH and their coworkers feel comfortable to collaborate and excited to help develop a diverse workplace. Completing this course will provide the learners with the tools they need to communicate with the deaf and/or hard-of-hearing in a respectful and effective manner.

Challenge:

With this project, we will help overcome the challenge and the fact that deaf and hard-of-hearing potential employees find it 34% less likely to receive a job offer over similarly-qualified candidates by demonstrating the advantages of hiring HOH employees and giving employees effective tools for communication.

Solution:

A bite size 4 step module that provides a 20 minute learning experience on how to effectively and respectfully communicate with deaf and HOH employees and coworkers. We will overcome any workplace discrimination against HOH employees and any communication barriers that would otherwise arise through an eLearning course that will educate coworkers and mangers how to show respect to an HOH employee, get their attention, ask for their preferred means of communication, and how to properly communicate with them.

Results:

Accessible bit sized learning modules that focus on inclusivity and productivity for all employees.