Breaking the sound barrier: supporting deaf and hard of hearing young people with careers guidance

Aims of the tool

Designed to aid career counsellors and other specialists offering counselling services or seeking to support young deaf individuals, this guide addresses the specific needs of both environments.

Description of the tool

It is structured into three parts:

The first part is tailored for hearing professionals who may lack experience in working with Deaf individuals. It provides essential readings before engaging with people with hearing impairments, along with practical tips on building relationships and the various stages of supporting a Deaf client. Additionally, it offers valuable advice for employers on creating an environment conducive to the effective work of individuals with hearing impairments.
The second part originated from the initiative of the community of young Deaf individuals who, upon entering professional life, experienced limited access to professional support. The materials gathered in this section aim to support the daily advisory work of Deaf professionals who do not face communication problems. They directly address activities related to supporting other Deaf individuals in their job search.
Part three comprises a list of materials available on the “Make it Work” project website. These resources are intended for use by career counsellors and other specialists providing advisory services in their everyday work, facilitating activities that support Deaf individuals.