Deaf guy from Craigslist coming over to look at some tools,

[Leros]

I'm selling some tools on Craiglist and have somebody coming over tomorrow. He let me know that he's deaf. I've never interacted with a deaf person before. What is the standard operating procedure? Do we communicate via writing?

 

[Nograts]

Scream really loud in his face, they can read your lips. A little spittle will help him understand as well.

 

[Bubbleawsome]

Act normal, but use paper and pen. Admit you don't know sign language. He also might be able to talk (especially if he went deaf later in life) and read lips in which case one or both of you will not need paper and pen.

 

[Nograts]

That's what I just said Bubble, open your mouth real wide and get about 3 inches from his face and scream. That'll let you know if he can read lips.




Yeah, we read it the first time. No need to troll the exact same post twice.


esquared
Anandtech Forum Director

 

[Leros]

Act normal, but use paper and pen. Admit you don't know sign language. He also might be able to talk (especially if he went deaf later in life) and read lips in which case one or both of you will not need paper and pen.

If we need paper and pen, should I expect him to provide it? I have a variable stutter, so reading my lips could be a bit trickier than most people.

 

[Bubbleawsome]

If we need paper and pen, should I expect him to provide it? I have a variable stutter, so reading my lips could be a bit trickier than most people.

Pencil and paper might add up to $0.50 total. I think you can do that. Maybe let him type around on an iPad or your phone. Or his. Don't be offensive, but don't act like you're trying to not be offensive. 😛

 

[lxskllr]

If we need paper and pen, should I expect him to provide it? I have a variable stutter, so reading my lips could be a bit trickier than most people.

You don't have quick access to pen and paper? I'm sure you two will figure something out. It's not an insurmountable problem. He can probably read lips, stutter or no.

 

[Leros]

Pencil and paper might add up to $0.50 total. I think you can do that. Maybe let him type around on an iPad or your phone. Or his. Don't be offensive, but don't act like you're trying to not be offensive. 😛

Of course I can provide pen and paper. I just want to know what's best to not make the situation uncomfortable for either of us. I was assuming he would be prepared for situations like this and have writing equipment. I don't want be over-accommodating and offend the guy, but I'm probably just worrying too much.

 

[chimaxi83]

Craigslist? Coming over to check out your tool(s)? I think this belongs in L&R

 

[Leros]

You don't have quick access to pen and paper? I'm sure you two will figure something out. It's not an insurmountable problem. He can probably read lips, stutter or no.

That's good to know.

 

[Leros]

Craigslist? Coming over to check out your tool(s)? I think this belongs in L&R

Eh, it's probably all a ruse anyway. I'm gonna laugh when a bunch of gangbangers show up and steal all my tools.

 

[Nograts]

Eh, it's probably all a ruse anyway. I'm gonna laugh when a bunch of gangbangers show up and steal all my tools.

You'll be fine. Never in the history of the internet has inviting a complete stranger to your house ever gone wrong.

 

[waffleironhead]

This is why I love ATOT! Now I'm prepared if such a situation happens to me.

 

[chimaxi83]

Eh, it's probably all a ruse anyway. I'm gonna laugh when a bunch of gangbangers show up and steal all my tools.

You're in Texas, so I'm hoping you have an APC mounted .50 cal machine gun ready to mow them down in case? :awe:

 

[pyonir]

Craigslist? Coming over to check out your tool(s)? I think this belongs in L&R

LMFAO :awe::thumbsup:

 

[Printer Bandit]

Rent someone on Craiglist that knows sign language.

 

[Leros]

You're in Texas, so I'm hoping you have an APC mounted .50 cal machine gun ready to mow them down in case? :awe:

I missed the day in grade school where they handed out automatic weapons 🙁

 

[Red Squirrel]

Pen and paper is the standard way I've used with deaf people. They will normally default to that with non deaf people as they know most wont know sign language.

Get professional labels made for all the tools that say "ultra quiet titanium motor" or something to that extent. Charge extra.

 

[unokitty]

I'm selling some tools on Craiglist and have somebody coming over tomorrow. He let me know that he's deaf. I've never interacted with a deaf person before. What is the standard operating procedure? Do we communicate via writing?

There are different levels of deafness.

At a mild level, you might not even notice. Though, it may be prudent to look at him while you are speaking.

Occasionally, I deal with people that are more profoundly deaf. For them, I keep a pen and a pad of 3M yellow sticky notes on my desk.

If I were you, I'd try to communicate normally. If that doesn't work,or if it gets confusing, break out the sticky notes...

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[Ichinisan]

Be ready to type some things into a Notes app on your smartphone. If you already have a text message conversation there, just send him messages so he can respond. Makes the conversation / context easier to follow.

I had to deal with a deaf guy once while helping him with an Internet service issue. He was excited to pull out the brand new just-released iPad 2 and type messages there for me to see. Even though his wife could have interpreted sign language, the iPad thing was easier for him.

Government paid for it because he is disabled.

 

[Fritzo]

The middle finger means "hello" in sign language.

 

[UncleWai]

Sounds like the opening scene of some kinky deaf gay porn.
He is going to bring in his own power tool and test it on you.

 

[Belegost]

As someone who deals with deaf daily: first, try speaking to him naturally though not quickly, do not make exaggerated lip movements, and avoid excessive gesturing, it's more confusing and annoying than helpful. When talking to him, look at his face, this helps him see your lips and other facial gestures - that plus hearing aids and he might understand you fine.

If however, there's some difficulty, a smartphone is the best, either texting to him, or typing in and showing him. Otherwise a pen and paper works well.

 

[phucheneh]

Are you, by chance, selling some kind of pneumatic hammer or something?

Some tools are just MADE for deaf people.

 

[Platypus]

a) If he's deaf I'm quite sure that he will know what to do in order to communicate with you. I wouldn't worry about doing anything different.

b) Why on earth aren't you meeting in a public place if you're using craigslist? Unless it's not realistic to lug around whatever he's coming to get, this is a really poor idea.

c) Comedy option, you should PM me some pics of your "tools," I might be interested in "using them."