Deaf Athletes speak a different language, they are not disabled. They maybe Hard of Hearing but not any less capable. We have to learn how to provide healthcare for them the same as the hearing athletes.

Jennifer Warren learned signed language as a kid to communicate with one of her teammates and has continued learning and using the skills through her career.

Josh Woodall and John Ciecko have first hand experience working with deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes and share some ways we can provide more equitable care.

Jennifer, what is the best tip you have for working with hard of hearing or deaf athletes?

I would suggest that the hearing community speak naturally to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Many can read lips, but when we accentuate our words, it distorts our mouths, which can make it more difficult to read lips.  

Second tip, most people who are deaf and hard of hearing appreciate any sign language you may know.  Spelling out words or signing slowly is welcomed and appreciated. 

John: Communicate eye to eye, never tell the interpreter “tell them this…”, people of various abilities should never be excluded from sports.

Only 30% of the English language can be read on lips, and that’s with perfect lighting and a couple of strong cups of coffee. Helmets, low hats, or any kind of obstruction to see someone's face and mouth hinders this ability to catch what’s being said on the lips. This is why it’s so important for Athletic trainers to learn the basics of ASL.

Josh, give us an example of how you have used this or other tips from Jennifer?

The first week in Bryan ISD I had an athlete with a broken radius/ulna so had to learn real quick how to communicate with an interpreter.

Jennifer, what should we know about working with deaf and hard of hearing athletes?

Not all disabilities are cognitive disabilities.  In fact, the deaf community does not see hearing loss as a disability.  The deaf and hard of hearing community prefer to be seen as a community that uses a different mode of communication, rather than a group with a disability. 

American Sign Language is considered a foreign language, which is simply a different mode of communication.  The need to use sign language is comparable to the need to use Spanish when a student’s primary language is Spanish.  This means that deaf or hard of hearing students are very capable or able to participate in athletics and other extracurricular activities.

Also, the words ‘deaf or hard of hearing’ can seem like a harsh way to describe a people group, but it is actually what is accepted and preferred by the deaf community.

And, Deaf and hard of hearing students may not hear the starter’s gun or whistles blowing.  Adjustments may need to be made to allow for access to the audible elements of the sport.

Discuss some of the hearing devices and how we can protect those for participation.

Most students self-care for their devices by the time they make it to the secondary sports level.  But, AT’s (Athletic Trainer/Assistive Technology) may find it helpful to know how to support these athletes:

FM systems - wireless assistive hearing devices that enhance the use of hearing aids.  The coach or AT may wear a mic that is bluetoothed to the student’s hearing aid or cochlear implant.