How can a retail establishment communicate with a customer who is deaf or hard of hearing or who has a speech impairment?
Most customers who are deaf or hard of hearing will identify themselves by writing a note or using hand gestures. When a salesperson has realized that a customer is deaf or hard of hearing, he or she can communicate by writing notes. Maintaining face-to-face contact is important for communications with a customer who reads lips. The services of a sign language interpreter should not be necessary to accomplish most retail transactions that are short and straightforward but may be necessary to communicate effectively in an unusually complex transaction. Stores that use public address systems to announce special offers or sale days should consider providing electronic bulletin boards or print announcements near doors and check-out counters to announce these events as a way to communicate effectively with customers who are deaf or hard of hearing. It is also important for retail businesses to communicate effectively with customers who have speech impairments. Allowing sufficient time for a