Five Tips for DHH Guides Connecting with Spanish-Speaking Families

By Heidy L. Nazario, Minnesota H&V  

Deaf and Hard of Hearing services are growing and expanding more and more every day! When we work with diverse individuals, culture and language have a big role in our conversations and approach. A way of understanding families’ needs is learning about their culture and facilitating the content of the message by providing access in communication.

As parents of a Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) child, finding resources for a child’s accommodations and services can take time. Occasionally, the information becomes overwhelming, even when it’s in your home language. Can you imagine the hardship for a person who is receiving important information in a language unfamiliar to them? How about social cues? Are they the same in every culture?

My Story  

My grandfather is the first Spanish-speaking individual who was Deaf that I ever met. Later, I learned my dad was also DHH, and that my hearing difference was genetic and progressive. My dad had a hard time fitting into the hearing world, so I imagined my life was headed in the same direction. I remember asking him about my tinnitus. “How do I get rid of that noise?”  He answered, “You just have to get used to it.” As blunt as that sounds, it helped me. On the other hand, my memories of my grandfather always include speaking loudly or having to get closer to him. He wore really big hearing aids. Later in life, my grandfather spoke about his experience with a cochlear implant (CI) and I decided to ask my audiologist about it. Today, I use a CI, my dad is in the process of getting one, and my grandfather often asks me for advice on how to update his.

My parents were never able to connect with other DHH parents. Maybe, it was because I was diagnosed at age 17, an age where I was very independent and knew I could be successful. My mom always told her children we could do anything. Support from your family is key to a healthy and successful life.

Through my experience as a Latina deaf/hard of hearing woman, who has been trained as a DHH Guide, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many Spanish-speaking families to offer my support and experiences. Here are my five best tips:  

Language barriers: Many families will be struggling with communication and find roadblocks when people don’t speak their language. It’s helpful when the message can be received in its totality, instead of a general idea. When communicating with a Spanish speaking family, use a professional interpreter, and avoid using translating apps, as these may give an inaccurate translation. Additionally, take the time to learn about their language and heritage. Connections are made easier when there’s an effort on all parties to communicate.  

Visit dynamics: When offering a home visit to families, most Latino families will have no problem welcoming you to their homes. In some cases, you will encounter a large family for the home visit. If you have not been introduced to all members, it’s okay to introduce yourself. DHH Guides can let families know in advance that anyone can be present at the time of the visit if there is a viable way to communicate and properly use the time at the visit without interruptions. You might want to be sure it’s a quiet environment for yourself or for the interpreter. Also, you will find it’s common for Spanish speaking families to offer food or drink to visitors! In some Hispanic or Latino cultures, it’s considered offensive if you don’t accept. If you are not interested in what is offered, ask for water. Don’t feel obligated to consume anything that is offered but it’s helpful to see this custom from a different perspective.

Support systems: Many Spanish-speaking families have a large support system but are sometimes miles away from each other. Be sure families know there are other families with whom they can connect. If there is someone in your agency/company who will be more familiar with the family’s cultural background, ask that person for their insight and/or experience. We want Spanish speaking families to know we are here for them.

 Resources: Some families receive resources in English and resort to using “Google Translate”, which means typing all the information from a brochure into the computer and receiving a poor translation in Spanish. Other families do not own or know how to operate a computer and will not have access to any digital information. For best results, provide printed resources in Spanish for the most accurate description of services or resources in an accessible way.

Safety and confidentiality: Make sure Spanish speaking families feel safe and supported.  Be sure families are clear about what type of support or aid your organization is offering. Some families may be afraid of looking for support or sharing personal information due to their immigration status. You might want to mention that laws protect the family’s information and confidentiality. The information discussed should only pertain to the individual’s hearing difference and your experience as a DHH individual. 

If you have any questions, or would like to more about DHH Guides connecting with Spanish Speaking families, feel free to contact me at: HeidyN@lifetrack-mn.org. This article will also be available in Spanish.

H&V Communicator – Winter 2020