Working with Deaf Clients: Building Respectful and Inclusive Support

For professionals working in education, counseling, or rehabilitation services, engaging with Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients requires more than just good intentions. It calls for cultural humility, informed practices, and intentional inclusion. After three decades in psycho-educational and vocational rehabilitation settings, I’ve seen firsthand how small misunderstandings can create major disconnects. Here’s what I’ve learned about working with Deaf clients in ways that promote trust, respect, and true access.