Many people feel uncomfortable around individuals with disabilities.
Much of this discomfort stems from lack of personal contact with people with disabilities and a sense of awkwardness and uncertainty as to how to speak and act in their presence. The following section offers suggestions for increasing effective communication and reducing anxiety when interacting with people with specific disabilities. Hearing Impairments Do not make assumptions about a person's ability to communicate or the way in which they do it. Always ascertain which communication medium the deaf or partially hearing person intends to use. Face the person directly and continue speaking at a normal volume and rate.