How to make Valentine's Day special for your Deaf or Hard of Hearing date

Got a date with a deaf or Hard of Hearing person this Valentine's Day? Don't stress or let any communication barrier stop you both from enjoying of a great date!

Ensure a delightful date with these simple tips to enhance your Deaf Awareness:

CONSIDER ACCESSIBILITY

What's your plan for the big day?

Are you going out for dinner? Pick a restaurant that's not in the shadows—good lighting is key for a perfect lipreading setup. Or, if you're going for the home-cooked route, use lots of candles and awaken your romantic spirit.

Also, remember not to cover your mouth when talking or talk with your mouth full - It doesn't need to be said, does it?

What about going to the cinema? Check for accessible subtitled cinema show. This link will help you: YourLocalCinema.com

And if you're a theatre enthusiast, look for those BSL-interpreted performances. Go check this website: TheatreSign.com

HOW TO COMMUNICATE?

Now you will see that the main tips for communicating with a deaf/hard of hearing person are quite romantic!! Start reading:

Before you start speaking make sure you have the person's attention by waving your hand or tapping the person's shoulder. This is a nice and classy first physical contact, don't you think?
Always make eye contact. That's a very romantic one!
Use short and simple sentences and please, don't shout. That's not pleasant and it can also make your body language seem aggressive – not the tone you are aiming for I bet?!
Use normal facial expressions and gestures. Remember, you're aiming for charming, not charades.
Ask if you are communicating O.K. If not, get creative—rephrase, jot it down on a napkin, or share a pen and paper. Classic style is always more romantic.
Be patient, smile, be nice, and, for the love of romance, never give up!