How Do I get a Deaf Person’s Attention?

Put yourself in a Deaf household and you will see a drastic difference on how hearing people and deaf people get each other’s attention. Normally, a hearing person will start speaking to a person to get their attention, or calling out a name.

For Deaf, it’s stomping the floor and hoping the other person feels the vibrations.

For Deaf, it’s flashing the lights to get their attention, this usually works with a big group of Deaf people.

For Deaf, it’s throwing something soft or light at the other person’s back or line of vision.

For Deaf, it’s tapping a person’s shoulder to get them to look at you.

Wait, isn’t that invading the Deaf person’s personal space? You could say so, but most Deaf people are so used to it! It’s the most effective way to get their attention, and they appreciate it when a person does it instead of not trying to communicate at all and walking away. Getting the Deaf’s attention is the first and most important step in communicating.

A few short taps on a shoulder means “Hi, I’d like to talk to you” or “excuse me”.
Quick burst taps on a shoulder means “Look quickly! It’s important!”

Normally, when Deaf people are in a busy place like in a grocery store; short taps on the shoulder gets their attention that you’re trying to pass by or that it’s their turn to go up to the cashier.