Employers

DEAFinitely working for you: An employers guide to hiring Deaf staff.

Deaf people work in a wide variety of roles from technicians to teachers, bricklayers to bus drivers, customer service to management. Deaf are skilled, hardworking and responsible workers and are rated highly by employers in areas including OSH, reliability, concentration and productivity.

Some think that communication can be a barrier for Deaf in the workplace, however with the rapid development of technology this can be overcome by solutions that are easy to implement in any work environment.

Simple discussion and an open mind is all that is needed to encourage a Deaf person to contribute to the same high standard as their hearing colleagues.
Employing Deaf people: Deaf people have the same potential and ability as hearing people and are skilled, hardworking and responsible employees.

Deaf people are rated highly by employers in areas including Occupational Safety & Health, reliability, diligence, sense of humour, ability to concentrate and productivity.
Most specialised equipment can be arranged at minimal or no cost to an employer by accessing Support Funds. As an employer you may be eligible to receive a subsidy to assist with the cost of training and accommodating a Deaf person in the workplace. The Employment Consultant at your local Deaf Aotearoa branch can discuss this with you and provide you with information about the various options available.

Interviewing Deaf candidates: When you invite a Deaf candidate to a job interview, a NZ Sign Language Interpreter should be arranged to ensure the Deaf person has the best possible chance of securing the position. The candidate or Employment Consultant can arrange this through the Deaf Aotearoa Interpreter Booking Service.

Training a Deaf employee: It is recommended that you have a NZ Sign Language Interpreter present during the employee induction process, ongoing training, staff meetings, performance appraisals or any time that you or your Deaf employee feels necessary. The cost of the interpreter can be met by the employee's Support Funds.

To book an interpreter, phone 09 828 3282 or check us at www.deaf.co.nz
In the workplace: Here are some useful recommendations to ease any concerns, answer some usual questions, overcome misconceptions and assist employers and Deaf employees to communicate and work together successfully.