Blind Patients.

• Always speak to the patient when you enter the room so he will know who is there.
• Speak directly to the patient; do not turn your back.
• Speak to the patient in a normal tone of voice; he is blind, not deaf.
• Speak to the patient before touching him/her.
• Offer to help with arrangements for patients who may enjoy hearing tapes or reading Braille literature.

Deaf Patients.

• Look directly at the patient when speaking with him/her.
• Do not cover your mouth when speaking because the patient may read lips.
• If the patient does not lip-read, charts with pictures may be used, or simply writing your questions or comments on a piece of paper may be helpful.
• Charts with hand signs are available at the local society for deafness and/or hearing preservation.

Patients Speaking a Foreign Language.

• Obtain a translator if possible. The Red Cross or the Patient Administration Division (PAD) may be of assistance.
• Have a chart with basic phrases in English and the foreign language.
• Consider using charts with pictures.