Coaching Tips and Hints

People with hearing impairments may not necessarily have any other physical impairment. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing will have varying levels of hearing and may or may not choose to wear their hearing aid during your coaching session. Please remember that wearing a hearing aid neither corrects language nor restores perfect hearing.

Coaching people with a hearing impairment is essentially down to your communication skills as a coach. As with all new participants, speak to them before the start of their first session to establish a mutually acceptable method of communication. There are a variety of ways to communicate, and the person will tell you what works best for them. To get things started, try communicating through basic gestures or use a pen and notepad or whiteboard and marker pen.

UK Deaf Sport in partnership with Sport Coach UK have developed a factsheet to help you understand the simple but effective adaptations that you can make to you communication style in order to become more inclusive. The information is provided as guidance only, allowing you to be more informed in your approach to being a more inclusive coach. No two people are the same; as such, please ensure that your first step is always to speak to the person – understand their abilities and goals, and never assume

To download this resource just click on

Factsheet

Coach UK and National Deaf Children Society called “Effective Communication – Coaching Deaf People in Sport” for more information on the course and dates of training near you click here