🔃 When Communication Goes One Way

Communication is supposed to be a two-way street.

One person shares. The other listens. There is a response, an exchange, and hopefully some understanding along the way.

But sometimes, communication goes only one way.

As a Deaf person, communication has always been an important part of my life. I have experienced moments when communication barriers make connection harder, even when people genuinely care about each other.

Sometimes the barrier is language. Sometimes it is hearing. Sometimes it is accessibility. And sometimes, we simply need to make a little more effort to include one another.

For many Deaf and DeafBlind people, what we want is simple: access to communication and accessibility that allows us to participate, understand, and connect.

That access can look different depending on the person and the situation. It might mean ASL, Tactile ASL, Protactile (PT), captions, writing, texting, interpreters, or another communication method that works for everyone involved.

As part of my work, I provide communication facilitation for DeafBlind clients. I have seen how important accessibility and clear communication can be, whether communication happens between two people, within a group, or through a Zoom meeting.

I also communicate with hearing people almost every day, including people who don’t know ASL. Sometimes I may need to ask for clarification or ask what people are talking about. They may not realize that I have been left out of part of the conversation.

I know I’m not alone in experiencing this.

Accessibility isn’t about giving someone special treatment. It’s about giving people access to the conversation.

We all have different ways of communicating, but we share the same need for human connection.

Whether we are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hearing, we can work together to create better communication and stronger connections within our communities and between the Deaf and hearing worlds.

We can listen.

We can be patient.

We can be respectful.

We can make room for one another.

And when communication becomes difficult, we can look for ways to make it more accessible instead of leaving someone behind.

I cannot control how another person communicates. I can only control my own part.

I can reach out. I can listen. I can explain what I need. I can give people space. And sometimes, I can step back when the effort isn’t mutual.

Because communication isn’t just about words, signs, texts, or conversations.

It’s about connection.

When we make communication accessible, treat one another fairly and with respect, and work together, we create more opportunities for everyone to belong.

Connection takes two.