There are all sorts of challenges when you lip-read. Many are physical barriers, but often lighting can be a real problem. One pet hate is where I am sitting talking to someone and it is really bright behind them and therefore I can’t see them clearly enough to actually lip-read them. This happens all the time (especially in the summer months) but can happen anywhere there is natural light and a window. It can happen at lunchtime, in the kitchen, when at my desk (although at my desk I try to control the situation), at someone else’s desk, in meeting rooms, at a networking event or at dinner etc. While I can try and control where I sit (and try to influence were someone else stands and/or sits) it is not always possible.
For those of you with colleagues that lip-read, please do take note, of how they position themselves when in a meeting, at an event, or when talking to you and support them if you can see that they are struggling. For example, you can offer to move or close the blinds (if your windows have them).
When hot-desking, do consider whether actually for someone who lip-reads (or has any type of disability) whether having a fixed desk might be an appropriate adjustment for them (or the ability to book the same desk all the time). I don’t ask for a fixed desk, but i sit in the same desk every time I’m in the office. One of the many reasons I do this is because I can control my environment more and I understand the lighting and positioning of the desk that I use. For example, I have a chair that people can use when they come to speak with me, and I know the light will be in the right position if I am at my desk and they are in that chair.
Here are some quick tips regarding positioning and lighting that you might find helpful if you have a colleague that lip-reads:
- Allow them to choose where to sit in the room.
- If they are sitting, sit at the same level as them, rather than stand. If you are standing, they may stand to match you, don’t act surprised by them or draw attention to them as it may make them feel uncomfortable to changing their position to mirror yours.
- Avoid standing in front of windows or a light source, as your face will be in shadow, making it difficult to read facial expressions and to lip-read.
- Move to find a suitable place to talk, with good lighting and away from noise and distractions.
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