Hi everyone,
I am here because I have no experience with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people (I don't even know the right terminology. I apologize in advance, it is not my intention to offend anyone here. Please know my intentions are good and I'm here seeking any advice or input to improve the situation.)
There is someone at work who is Deaf that reports to me. Complicating the issue is that this person works at a West Coast office and I work at the East Coast office location. Anyway, no one in upper management or in HR has given guidance about how to work together effectively. At this time, it is imperative that both coast integrate into one team.
So, that's why I'm here. I'm trying to take matters into my hands as this direct report is coming to the East Coast office for some training, brainstorming, and team building. I'm looking into ASL and CART services (I'm starting to understand sometimes ASL is "better" for certain topics and vice versa) and saw a page on communication tips.
I don't want to be a lousy manager and I definitely don't want to be discriminatory. Other than trying to speak slowly, clearly, and maintain eye contact, is there any advice anyone may have about how I can well, ensure that I treat this direct report the same as anyone else? Has anyone here overcome any challenges at their workplaces that may provide some insight? Is it just a matter finding the right technology to help mitigate both the cross-country distance as well as the ability to hear? (Is it even appropriate for me to ask about the degree to which she can hear???)
Thanks in advance for your time.
I am here because I have no experience with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people (I don't even know the right terminology. I apologize in advance, it is not my intention to offend anyone here. Please know my intentions are good and I'm here seeking any advice or input to improve the situation.)
There is someone at work who is Deaf that reports to me. Complicating the issue is that this person works at a West Coast office and I work at the East Coast office location. Anyway, no one in upper management or in HR has given guidance about how to work together effectively. At this time, it is imperative that both coast integrate into one team.
So, that's why I'm here. I'm trying to take matters into my hands as this direct report is coming to the East Coast office for some training, brainstorming, and team building. I'm looking into ASL and CART services (I'm starting to understand sometimes ASL is "better" for certain topics and vice versa) and saw a page on communication tips.
I don't want to be a lousy manager and I definitely don't want to be discriminatory. Other than trying to speak slowly, clearly, and maintain eye contact, is there any advice anyone may have about how I can well, ensure that I treat this direct report the same as anyone else? Has anyone here overcome any challenges at their workplaces that may provide some insight? Is it just a matter finding the right technology to help mitigate both the cross-country distance as well as the ability to hear? (Is it even appropriate for me to ask about the degree to which she can hear???)
Thanks in advance for your time.