Since Deaf individuals may not hear their name being called, there are respectful ways to get someone's attention. 

✅ Appropriate Ways

• Give a small wave within the person's field of vision

• Gently tap their shoulder or upper arm

• Flash the room lights once or twice (when appropriate)

• Lightly stomp on the floor or tap a nearby table so vibrations can be felt

❌ Avoid

• Throwing objects

• Yelling louder

• Grabbing someone aggressively

• Snapping fingers directly in someone's face

These visual and tactile methods are commonly used within the Deaf community.

Eye contact is one of the most imporant parts of ASL communication. 

When someone is signing: 

✅ Watch the signer

✅ Maintain eye contact

✅ Stay visually engaged

Looking away repeatedly while someone is signing may appear as though you are no longer paying attention, you are not interested in the conversation, rude, or there is an emergency. 

In ASL, facial expressions are part of the language - not just emotions. 

They help communicate: 

• Questions

• Emotions

• Emphasis

• Grammar

• Tone

A blank face can change or reduce the meaning of a message. It could also alter whether a sign is signed correctly or not. 

If a Deaf person is using an interpreter: 

✅  Speak directly to the Deaf person

✅ Make eye contact with the Deaf person

❌ Do not speak to the interpreter instead

The interpreter is there to facilitate communication - not participate in the conversation.

Not every Deaf person communicated the same way. 

Some people use: 

• American Sign Language (ASL) 

• Spoken English

• Lipreading

• Writing

• Texting

• Speach-to-text technology

• Other communication methods

If you are unsure, simply ask:

"How do you prefer to communicate?"

Respecting someone's preferred communication method is one of the best forms of Deaf etiquette. 

Try not to: 

❌ Assume every Deaf person reads lips

❌ Assume every Deaf person uses ASL

❌ Say "never mind" if communication becomes difficult

❌ Cover your mouth while speaking

❌ Turn away while communicating

❌ Interrupt someone while they are signing

If communication isn't working, try rephrasing, writing it down, or using another communication method instead of giving up.

The Deaf community has a rich language, history, and culture. 

Showing respect means: 

• Be patient

• Be willing to learn

• Valuing ASL as a complete language

• Appreaciating Deaf culture and identity

• Including everyone in conversations

Small actions can make a big difference in creating an inclusive environment. 

✅ DO:

• Maintain eye contact

• Wave or gently tap a shoulder to get attention

• Speak directly to the Deaf person

• Use appropriate facial expressions

• Ask about communication preferences

• Be patient and respectful

❌ DON'T:

• Yell or over-enunciate

• Throw objects to get attention

• Talk only to the interpreter

• Assume everyone communicated the same way

• Give up by saying, "Never mind"

• Look away while someone is signing