Audience guide
Deaf, hard of hearing, blind and low vision
Sensory disabilities mainly call for changes to how information is shared. With the right tools, such as captions, screen readers, sign language interpreters and good lighting, most roles are fully accessible.
Adjustments are about what helps, not about labels. Never ask for a diagnosis, and let each person decide what they share.
What to do
- Ask how the person prefers to communicate
- Caption videos and follow up conversations in writing
- Make sure documents and software work with screen readers
- Face the person when speaking and reduce background noise
What to avoid
- Shouting or speaking unnaturally slowly
- Sending scanned documents or images of text
- Relying only on sound alarms, or only on visual signals
Typical adjustments
- Sign language interpreter for interviews, training and key meetings
- Screen reader and magnification software
- Visual or vibrating fire alarm
- Good lighting and high-contrast signage
Extra steps in your plan
Make your documents accessible
Use real text instead of scans, add headings and image descriptions, and use good contrast. Test with a screen reader.
Get ready · Recommended · Half a day
Book interpreters or captioning early
Sign language interpreters and live captioning often need to be booked in advance, and public funding may cover the cost.
Interview and select · Essential · 15 min
Check alarms and safety signals
Make sure fire alarms and safety warnings reach the person, for example through a visual alarm, a vibrating pager or a buddy system.
Offer and prepare · Essential · About 1 hour
Turn this into your own plan
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This toolkit is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules on recruitment, adjustments and support schemes differ between countries, so check with your local employment service or an adviser.