How can these difficulties be overcome?

There are varying levels of hearing ability among the deaf and best to check with them if they understood what was said by writing down.

Do check in with them personally after getting emails or messages which may appear rude or blunt. In fact, we encourage employers/colleagues to be just as direct with them. Ask them: “Are you ok?” “Any problem?” “All good?” Learn to also speak their language and invite them to teach you certain simple phrases which will enable you to check in with them on their understanding or yours.

Because of the language barriers, it is important to repeat instructions or have the deaf employee repeat back or demonstrate that he or she understood what the task or job to do.

Where possible, use video tutorials or work demonstrations with subtitles, for job training

Engage a sign language interpreter for certain specific job training where you recognise that hearing colleagues would have problems in communication.