Designing content for users who are deaf or hard of hearing

Around 9 million people in the UK have some form of hearing loss. Every deaf person is different, with various degrees of loss, and using a wide range of assistive technologies depending upon their access requirements.

Here are some useful tips to ensure your communications and content are accessible for a user who is deaf or hard of hearing:

Do:

• write in plain language
• use subtitles or provide transcripts for videos
• use a linear,
• logical layout
• break up content with sub-headings, images and videos
• let users ask for their preferred communication support when booking appointments

Don’t:

• use complicated words or figures of speech
• put content in audio or video only
• make complex layouts and menus
• make users read long blocks of content
• make telephone the only means of contact for users