In Travel Features

Using public transport can be overwhelming, especially if you are D/deaf. Even if aren’t hard of hearing, listening out for announcements over tannoys, trying to hear the tour guide speaking over chatter, all these things can be stressful and can limit your enjoyment of travelling or visiting new places.

It’s frustrating not only for the person who is hard of hearing, but for those around them trying to communicate too.

To help make the situation less stressful, here are some tips on how you can help your fellow travellers.

Don’t shout

If someone can’t hear you, it can be tempting to raise your voice, but shouting and exaggerating your facial expressions won’t help, it’ll just make it more difficult for people to be able to lip read.

Make sure you have their attention before you start speaking

Before you start speaking, make sure you have their attention, it’s easy to get distracted when in a public place and hard to make yourself understood when there is a lot going on. So, make sure you have their attention before giving any instructions.

Maintain eye contact

We know, its awkward and some people with neurodivergence or visual impairments might struggle, but make sure to keep eye contact and look at the person you’re talking to. It will make lip reading and understanding your tone much easier.

Looking for more ways to help travellers using public transport or for help yourself? Check out the resources from places like GWR.

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