Which of the following is NOT an appropriate attention-getting strategy in the Deaf community?

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate attention-getting strategy in the Deaf community?

• A. gently tapping someone
• B. waving a hand
• C. tapping a table
• D. shouting from across the room

Answer: (D)

In Deaf communities, getting someone’s attention is best done with visual or tactile cues rather than vocal ones. Visual or tactile signals—like a gentle tap on the shoulder to be seen, a quick wave within their line of sight, or a light touch or tap on a nearby surface—invite the person to look or respond without relying on hearing. Shouting from across the room relies on voice and distance, which isn’t effective for Deaf individuals and can feel disruptive or invasive. So the choice that doesn’t fit is shouting from across the room. In practice, use cues you can see or feel, check that you have their attention, and then communicate directly.

In Deaf communities, getting someone’s attention is best done with visual or tactile cues rather than vocal ones. Visual or tactile signals—like a gentle tap on the shoulder to be seen, a quick wave within their line of sight, or a light touch or tap on a nearby surface—invite the person to look or respond without relying on hearing. Shouting from across the room relies on voice and distance, which isn’t effective for Deaf individuals and can feel disruptive or invasive. So the choice that doesn’t fit is shouting from across the room. In practice, use cues you can see or feel, check that you have their attention, and then communicate directly.