Work with a transparent mask that can be seen in the mouth Considering people with hearing impairments Obihiro City May 29, 19:37
While the wearing of masks has spread due to the effect of the new coronavirus, people with hearing impairment cannot see the movements of the other person's mouth and it is difficult to communicate with them. I am doing business.
This mask is a commercial product and 15 sets were donated this week by the Hokkaido Deaf Federation.
Since the facial expression and movements of the mouth of the other person are important information for communication for people with hearing impairment, the donated mask is transparent around the mouth and makes it easy to see the movement.
On the 29th, using this mask, we had a meeting with the Obihiro Deaf Association at the Disability Welfare Division.
We talked about how to conduct a sign language course in elementary and junior high school because it was difficult to express the movement of the mouth with a general mask.
Mr. Kiyomi Maruyama of the Obihiro Deaf Association said, "When I go to the supermarket, I don't know what a cashier clerk is wearing an ordinary mask and I don't know what I'm being asked about."
Regarding the communication without such a transparent mask, Noriko Soga, a sign language interpreter, said, "The feeling of trying to convey is the most important thing. Even with a conventional mask, you can make a smile with your eyes and make a questioning expression with your eyebrows. Or, I think that if the body movement is increased and transmitted, the feelings will be transmitted to the hearing impaired. "