5 ways to ready your workplace for Deaf employees
For approximately 800,000 South Africans, deafness is a daily reality. According to eDeaf, a skills development provider, many Deaf individuals face educational barriers, with few reaching tertiary education or completing Matric.
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To bridge this gap, organisations like eDeaf and its sister company Deafinition provide sector-specific training and workplace preparation for roles in retail, logistics, hygiene, IT, and data capture.
Addressing workplace hesitation
The primary barrier to hiring Deaf employees is often employer uncertainty regarding communication and support.
According to Shubnum Nabbi-Maharaj, director at Deafinition: "Most companies are not unwilling; they are simply unsure. They’re unsure about how communication will work and whether they will be able to support a Deaf employee effectively.”
However, case studies show that integration is typically smoother than expected, with hesitation subsiding once practical communication systems are established.
5 practical steps for workplace inclusion
Formal training
Since South African Sign Language (SASL) became an official language in 2023, there has been a push for basic SASL training in the workplace. Training should cover not just signs, but also Deaf culture and visual communication strategies.
Better communication
Be clear and more intentional with internal communication. Prioritise email communication, regularly update noticeboards, put up posters, and organise formal meetings rather than informal chats. These are all ways to keep Deaf employees in the loop and help prevent misinformation from spreading around the office.
Using technology
The SASL Deafinition app (available on iOS and Android) provides a library of over 10,000 signs with video demonstrations, including specific workplace phrases.
Addressing misconceptions
Deafness should be viewed as a language difference rather than a performance limitation. Employers often report high levels of focus and commitment from Deaf staff who have previously lacked access to the formal job market.
Being curious
Open dialogue between hearing and Deaf colleagues is essential. Rather than avoiding interaction for fear of "saying the wrong thing", teams should be encouraged to ask questions and develop a bespoke communication system that works for their specific environment.
Progress Update
Six learners supported by VML recently completed the NQF level 3 program through eDeaf and have moved on to NQF level 4. These candidates will soon be entering the workforce, joining a growing pool of trained Deaf professionals in South Africa.