XI. Nancy J. Bloch

Nancy J. Bloch, Executive Director, National Association of the Deaf, stated that there are a wide range of communication styles among deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, ranging from American Sign Language to spoken English. When arranging for interpretation, she urged that scientists ensure that the interpreter's language skills closely match the language needs of the deaf person. This is best done in advance by asking the deaf person his or her specific communication preferences i.e. American Sign Language or signed English. Often for the general public, including deaf and hard of hearing persons, complex medical terms require time for explanation and require that concepts are broken down into simpler terms. In the same sense, effective two-way dialogue between medical personnel and deaf and hard of hearing people is of critical importance, especially when dealing with consent forms. Working with deaf persons from a cultural perspective would enable medical personnel to appreciate and be more sensitive to language nuances and the need for accurate third-party interpretation. Medical personnel who interface on a regular basis with deaf individuals would also benefit from in-depth training on culture and language issues.

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