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Quick Reference Guide to Accessible Campaign Information and Communication
Communication Strategies: Person to Person
The following tips will help you to communicate with all of voters more effectively, both during your campaign and throughout your everyday business activities. All of these tips are easy to do, but may require a conscious effort at first to make them an integrated part of your communication process.
Tips for Communicating with a Person who is Deaf, Deafened, or Hard of Hearing
Choose a quiet environment. Avoid communicating where there is a lot of noise or visual activity. Ask the person what will make communication easier.
Make sure the light is shining on your face, not behind you. Avoid standing in front of a light source when speaking. Make sure you have the person’s attention.
In group settings, make sure only one person at a time is talking.
Do not cover your mouth or have anything in your mouth when you are speaking.
When using an interpreter, speak directly to the deaf person. When the interpreter voices what the deaf person signs, look at the deaf person, not the interpreter.
Speak naturally and clearly, with normal expression and at a normal pace.
Rephrase, rather than repeat, when you are not understood. Write down a few words or a phrase to clarify if communication is difficult.
When writing back and forth, keep your word choices simple and sentences short. If the person uses more complex sentence and vocabulary, do the same.
Do not shout. A loud voice may increase distortion or give the impression you are angry, without improving comprehension.
Be patient and take time to communicate. Saying “never mind” or “it’s not important” may cause the person with hearing loss to feel that their contribution is not valued.
Do not overspeak to fill in words or finish the person’s thoughts or sentences.
Tips for Communicating with a Person who is Deaf-Blind
People who are deaf-blind have many communication methods and styles. The person who is deaf-blind will let you know how to best communicate.
Stand close to the person who is deaf-blind. Do not try to communicate from across the room or table.
Always identify yourself to let the person who is deaf-blind know you are there. Approach from the front and then move to the side. This gives the person the opportunity to use any residual central or peripheral vision available.
A Deaf-Blind Intervenor can be arranged to provide individuals with deaf-blindness with information from the environment, and may provide communication on behalf of the individual.
Some people who are deaf-blind will benefit from large print or Braille materials. Ask which print accommodations are effective.
Avoid leaving a person who is deaf-blind standing in the middle of an open space, or alone in unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure there is somewhere for the person to sit, or something stationary to have contact with, such as a wall or table.
Tips for Communicating with a Person who is Blind Or Visually Impaired
Always introduce yourself when you meet someone with a vision loss. Even though they may know you, they may not recognize your voice.
When leaving a room or conversation tell the person you are leaving so they are not left talking to themselves. Avoid leaving them standing in the middle of an open space, or alone in unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure there is somewhere for the person to sit, or something stationary to have contact with, such as a wall or table.
When you are in a group, introduce others in the group and use people's names so that the person with a vision loss knows who you are speaking to.
Look and speak to the person with a vision loss, not a person they are with.
When giving directions or passing something to a person who is blind or visually impaired, use specific directions like "behind you on your left" or "I'm putting the cup by your right hand". Avoid "over here" or "there".
Remember that nods, shrugs and gestures may not be noticed.
For safety, push chairs into table when vacating them, keep doors entirely opened or closed and close cupboard doors and drawers.
When escorting a blind person to a chair, place his or her hand on the back of the chair.
When walking with a person who is blind or visually impaired, offer to provide sighted guide. Let the person take your arm just above your elbow. You can guide with either the right or the left arm, which can either relax at your side or bend at the elbow. The person follows a half step behind you at a pace that is comfortable for both of you. Make sure you identify steps, curbs, or other obstacles before you come to them.
Do not pet, feed or distract a dog guide from doing its job.
Tips for Communicating with a Person who has a Cognitive Disability
Treat adults with cognitive disabilities as adults.
When speaking to someone who has a cognitive disability, be alert to their responses and adjust your method of communication if necessary.
Some people may benefit from simple, direct sentences while others may prefer visual forms of communication, such as gestures, diagrams, or demonstrations.
Keep sentences short and clear, avoiding complex words or jargon. Use language that is concrete rather than abstract
Some people may have trouble with short-term memory and may repeat themselves or require information to be repeated.
Minimize distractions so that full attention is on communication. If you are in a public area with many distractions, consider moving to a quiet or private location.
Repeat information using different wording or a different communication approach if necessary. Allow time for the information to be fully understood.
Do not expect all people to be able to read well. Some people may not read at all.
Tips for Communicating with a Person who has a Speech Disability
Talk to people with speech disabilities as you would talk to anyone else and speak in your regular tone of voice.
Do not speak for the individual or attempt to complete their sentences. Be patient, it may take the person a while to answer.
Tell the person if you do not understand what he or she is trying to say. Ask the person to repeat the message, spell it, tell you in a different way, or write it down.
Consider asking questions that require only short answers or a nod of the head.
Tips for Communicating with a Person who has a Mental Illness
The majority of people living with a mental illness have no special needs when it comes to communication and you will not be aware that they have a mental illness, nor will you need to know. Some medications and some symptoms of mental illness may impact on people's communication and concentration abilities.
Talk to the person as you would talk to anyone else and speak in your regular tone of voice. Don't rush. Speak in a calm manner and present one thought at a time.
Repeat in different words to convey your meaning if you are not understood.
Some people who are taking medication may have excess thirst, and will need access to water or other beverage.