Communication tips

Deaf-friendly communication - Tips

Find out from the sailor:
- What type of sounds may be easier to hear
- How they like to communicate (sign language, lip reading, writing down)
- What is the best way to get their attention?
- What aids or equipment do you need to be aware of (and is it waterproof)?
Ask all participants to say their name before they contribute
Subtitle any videos you plan to use
Set a ground rule of participants contributing one at a time and not talking over each other
Repeat yourself, and other people’s contributions if needed
Avoid covering your mouth, or chewing gum while talking
Keep your face clear (sunglasses, hats, whistles, buffs?)
Don’t give up trying to explain, try different ways of getting across what you are trying to say – use pictures, demos if needed
If you are using visual aids allow time for sailors to switch attention from what you are saying, to the visual aid
Avoid moving around when you are talking
Avoid speaking slowly or raising your voice as this can distort lip patterns
If you are using communication professionals (e.g. an interpreter)
- Ensure the sailor can see the presenter and the interpreter
- Give time for the communication professional to relay the message and for the sailor to reply
- Have regular communication breaks (30mins)
- Share information about the briefing / session / presentation with the communication professional before the session and go through any jargon / terminology

Agree signals for key words / actions (help, head for home, come to me, emergency, stop)
Use visual signals as well as auditory ones – whistles and flags
Communicate key information when the boat is alongside so you can give information face to face.
Have a portable whiteboard with you for key words, pictures etc
Have a watertight box or bag to put aids and equipment in (e.g. hearing aids)
Use BSL flip cards – reminders of essential signs / concepts
Use picture cards for sailing words
Demonstrate skills and activities

Identify yourself, your name and your role.
Find out from the sailor:
1. What support they might need getting to the venue and finding their way around
2. How you can support them?
3. What they can see?
4. How can the environment be optimised?
5. Is there anything to avoid?
6. How do they like to learn?
7. What experience and understanding do they have of the activity?
8. Do they need handouts / information in a braille format or electronically?
9. What to do with any mobility aids or guide dogs during the session / activity?
Assess the space you are using - Is the floor and corridors free from trip hazards? What is the lighting like?
If you are using visual aids, ensure you explain with words as well
Take time to allow the sailor to familiarise themselves with the environment

Take time to fit flotation devices for the first time, ensuring the sailor knows how everything works
Take time to allow the sailor to familiarise themselves with the boat, all the controls (how they work, how they are fixed) and hazards
Add bells to marks / buoys to help locate them
Concentrate on how the boat feels and sounds during specific skills / tasks – wind on their face, sails flapping, heel of the boat, tension on sheets with wind pressure
Check with the sailor if they are comfortable using hand over hand techniques to demonstrate specific skills e.g. tacking
Consider a buddy system
Consider adding tactile clues to support orientation around the boat

Introduce yourself
Ask if they want assistance – don’t assume, and don’t be offended if they don’t
Ask which side they prefer to be guided on
Offer your elbow or shoulder
Ensure you are one step in front of the person
Don’t walk too fast or too slowly – check you are getting it right
Talk to the person – particularly about what is coming up on the route and explain any noises
Keep your guiding arm still and relaxed
For seats – place their hand on the back of the seat
Through doorways – ensure the person steps behind you and make sure they don’t get struck by the door as it closes behind them
Obstacles – give the person you are guiding plenty of space