deaf applicant

« **on:** January 19, 2011, 07:58:08 am »

this year im planning on taking on a helper ,see if i can make it work. ive put the feelers out and so far not much luck. but one young lad has got in touch ,but hes deaf . what do you lot think. im on ladders ,what consequence do you see if i gave him a go/ as you all know its a risky game at the best of times but id like to hear your opinions.

« **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:01:34 am »

how deaf is he, completely or can hear with aid,

« **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:04:25 am »

Yes he maybe partially deaf, would it be advisable to get in touch with a proper society for the deaf - see what their guidlines are? Think you need to find out though level of hearing like the poster before me said.

http://www.rnid.org.uk/

« **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:05:57 am »

ive not met him yet as he will only communicate via text. i just dont want to raise his hopes up,if its a stupid or dangerous idea

« **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:07:16 am »

he might be ur best employee, speak to a sol, as u might want to give him a trial period to see what he is like

« **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:09:12 am »

I think you need to establish level of hearing. I have a friend who is partially blind. Also I think maybe if he thinks hes capable, thats why hes applied, can you meet up with him? I dont think you would be dashing his hopes. Of course you need to ascertain suitablility

« **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:21:58 am »

Quote from: bobby p on January 19, 2011, 08:05:57 am

ive not met him yet as he will only communicate via text.

That`s no good. I`d be more concerned about that, rather than his hearing.

« **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:44:43 am »

Quote from: Kate2 on January 19, 2011, 08:04:25 am

Yes he maybe partially deaf, would it be advisable to get in touch with a proper society for the deaf - see what their guidlines are? Think you need to find out though level of hearing like the poster before me said.

http://www.rnid.org.uk/

I agree with Kate. There could be health and safety implications you may not be aware of.

« **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:36:10 am »

Back on my first round i came across a customer who used to have a window cleaner who was deaf & dumb.... he had alot of customers in that area, but moved away with family.

I also know of a window cleaner who is deaf too (he works on his own as it is his business and has done for many years now), but will leave that to someone else to mention if he wants to.

To be honest i cant see a problem with it. You will need to sign i would imagine which im sure you would be able to put through the business. Give him a trail... day/week/month and see how he gets on doing the job.

« **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:43:29 am »

Tricky situation as there could be H & S issues with this.
Also tricky if you decide to turn him down because mentioning deafness as a/the reason leaves you open to being sued.
I'm all for giving people a break but, although I have every sympathy with his predicament, I do wonder if this could be a step too far. There is often a need to communicate with customers too. Deafness could seriously hamper this. If he were taken on, it might mean having to adapt parts of your business - particularly if he is to be a lone worker.

« **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2011, 09:51:27 am »

There ARE H&S issues, and realistically you will at least have to do a new set of risk assessments to include anyone with a disability where their disability will effect the risk.

You must do this for people under 18 and for people who you are aware are 'a bit daft' so I'm pretty certain you will have to do this for someone who is deaf.

It isn't really that much of a big deal though, IF you already have risk assessments in place.

« **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2011, 10:17:36 am »

Stupid is worse than deaf,.. and there's plenty of us who have stupid helpers without anyone going on about H&S!!!

Make sure that there won't be any additional risks (most can be overcome with a bit of thought), and give the lad a chance,..

« **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2011, 11:11:18 am »

Quote from: Nathanael Jones on January 19, 2011, 10:17:36 am

Stupid is worse than deaf,.. and there's plenty of us who have stupid helpers without anyone going on about H&S!!!

Make sure that there won't be any additional risks (most can be overcome with a bit of thought), and give the lad a chance,..

I agree completely, I was in no way implying that deaf = dangerous.

The H&S will require that any risks that are already apparent within the job, be reviewed to include someone who has any type of disability that will effect that risk, should you decide to employ them.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/disability/risk.htm

« **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2011, 12:08:51 pm »

Quote from: bobby p on January 19, 2011, 07:58:08 am

this year im planning on taking on a helper ,see if i can make it work. ive put the feelers out and so far not much luck. but one young lad has got in touch ,but hes deaf . what do you lot think. im on ladders ,what consequence do you see if i gave him a go/ as you all know its a risky game at the best of times but id like to hear your opinions.

Invite him for an interview and treat him as you would any other applicant. Forget that he is deaf. If he does not meet your requirements, the don't take him on....simples

If you consider taking him on then seek out help and advise from the dot gov link that has already been posted.
Whatever you do DO NOT turn him down giving the reason he is deaf.

Nathanael.
When we employed I used to think on a daily basis I had employed deaf people

but no most were just stupid

« **Reply #14 on:** January 19, 2011, 12:13:54 pm »

I need to get back out to work I just popped in for a coffee, but deafness can effect balance, My mother was deaf and dumb and although worked most her life in the cleaning industry. She could not go a bike because of the balance. I will ask my dad later if he ever employed deaf lads on the ladder over the years. he probably did at some point. anyway as long as the balance is ok I can't see a problem but then I can speak fluent sign language.

« **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:35:22 pm »

I would meet up with him for a beer and see how you get on.
He might be partially deaf and wear a hearing aid so would still have some hearing sense.
There are different levels of deafness, I say this because I had a friend of a friend who was deaf and I met him several times and he held a conversation with no problems.
I didnt even realise he was deaf until my mate mentioned it after about the 4th or 5th occassion of meeting him. He was superb at lip reading and thats why I never realised he was deaf.
I would at least arrange a meeting to see what he's like, he might turn out to be a top bloke and I can't really see how deafness can affect a window cleaner unless as Stu-mac says it affects balance.

« **Reply #16 on:** January 19, 2011, 05:40:04 pm »

I would defo give him a chance but make sure to show him some consideration, so when you fart make sure it smells

« **Reply #17 on:** January 19, 2011, 06:35:51 pm »

if u decide not to employ cos hes deaf be careful what u say as u dont want to be classed as discrimination as u may be sued ... does happen ... know of a girl who goes for job interviews gets to 2nd interview stage tells them shes pregnant asks about what maternity pay the company pays and if no job offer after a week or two gets a solicitor to threaten to sue them then offers to settle for a grand ... sad times we live in

« **Reply #18 on:** January 19, 2011, 06:38:02 pm »

Why not learn sign language or he could teach you for free

I would take on a deaf person tomorrow who is willing to work and you dont need to use words as he would watch you work and pick things up that way

« **Reply #19 on:** January 19, 2011, 07:23:07 pm »

Speaking as someone who wears hearing aids I can't see deafness being an issue.

I know nothing about H&S issues so can't comment on them especially as I only use a WFP system myself. The fella will be communicating by text only as it's unlikely to be able to use a phone (I only use texts myself).

Personally, I would invite him round for an interview. Choose a nice quiet place as if he's not profoundly deaf (as in deaf as a doorpost) he'll likely wear hearing aids and there's nothing worse than background noise! If he can do the job then there's no reason why you shouldn't employ him. I've no doubt that between you, you would be able to work around any potential issues.

« **Reply #20 on:** January 19, 2011, 07:36:11 pm »

Quote from: G Griffin on January 19, 2011, 08:21:58 am

Quote from: bobby p on January 19, 2011, 08:05:57 am
ive not met him yet as he will only communicate via text.

That`s no good. I`d be more concerned about that, rather than his hearing.

Well I dont suppose there is much point him calling on the phone so text is maybe a better option?

« **Reply #21 on:** January 19, 2011, 07:37:52 pm »

try and give him a chance if he passes your interview,then just check things out

« **Reply #22 on:** January 19, 2011, 07:38:49 pm »

I'm also deaf, some thought on the plus side.
Will not talk on the phone
will not talk to custys
will not talk to you

more time working and will probably work harder as with a disability jobs are harder to get even though it's not meant to affect the interview :

If he looks right for the job give him ago..
If you are worried he might have a accident I'm sure he can shout and you will hear him.
Just some thoughts but i don't see it as a no go area.
As for the phone i can't make calls but i can talk if it's face to face.

« **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2011, 07:45:47 pm »

Quote from: wightsurf on January 19, 2011, 07:38:49 pm

I'm also deaf, some thought on the plus side.
Will not talk on the phone
will not talk to custys
will not talk to you
more time working and will probably work harder as with a disability jobs are harder to get even though it's not meant to affect the interview :
If he looks right for the job give him ago..
If you are worried he might have a accident I'm sure he can shout and you will hear him.
Just some thoughts but i don't see it as a no go area.
As for the phone i can't make calls but i can talk if it's face to face.

well said

« **Reply #24 on:** January 19, 2011, 07:49:25 pm »

What?

Sorry I'll get my coat.

« **Reply #25 on:** January 19, 2011, 07:59:03 pm »

Quote from: Neil Gornall on January 19, 2011, 07:36:11 pm

Quote from: G Griffin on January 19, 2011, 08:21:58 am
Quote from: bobby p on January 19, 2011, 08:05:57 am
ive not met him yet as he will only communicate via text.

That`s no good. I`d be more concerned about that, rather than his hearing.
Well I dont suppose there is much point him calling on the phone so text is maybe a better option?

Well, the interview will be interesting then :

.
I`d want to know why he will only text. If it`s because of his hearing, then fair enough.
But as I said, I`d be more concerned about someone reluctant to speak to you, or meet you, rather than someone with impaired hearing.

« **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:02:31 pm »

cheers for all the opinions. as i worked today,and boy it was a real slogger of a day, its been on my mind - do i ? dont i?

decided im going to meet him , and take it from there .he is 21, 5ft10,and 9stone in weight,so no problem on that score

im going to ask him a bit about balance,because it was mentioned here and on reading on the net,30% of the deaf have a balance problem,im not getting involved if thats the case. for that matter im going to ask any applicant to at least show me they can stand on 1 leg for at least 10 seconds as i dont want any clumsy "klutzes" up a ladder

« **Reply #27 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:05:04 pm »

im also going to look into the cost of employee insurance for a deaf person,as i only got a quote for ordinary

« **Reply #28 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:23:25 pm »

My last post was flippant, but no harm meant.

If It were me I would definitly give him an interview, in fact his deafness would in my opinion give him an edge over other applicants. I have a good mate who is deaf and as a result he has always put that bit extra effort in. Maybe to prove a point?

« **Reply #29 on:** January 20, 2011, 09:55:18 pm »

My dad started the business over 60 years ago, and his first employee was a young 14 year old, deaf & dumb was the name then, he is still doing a couple of days for us and is 72 years old. The reason he employed him was we used ladders then, and after research found that all skyscrapers built in USA were built by a tribe of red indians, who have no problem with balance because of something in there ears, and deaf people have the same. At one time dad we employed 18 full time all deaf & dumb men, and worked mostly for ICI, the large chemical industry on Teesside as well as massive school, council contracts. The local comunity loved what was done in times of no dissabilty act and we had more and more work than we could cope with, and were great workers and were very well paid. For us is was big asset to our business and happy, happy times

idealrob

« **Reply #30 on:** January 21, 2011, 07:00:02 am »

the words "deaf and dumb" are really offensive,

these word are old school and do not exist in todays world.

just cause you are deaf dont mean you are dumb

« **Reply #31 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:00:31 am »

I think "deaf and dumb" means, can't hear, can't speak, not can't hear and stupid (dumb).

« **Reply #32 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:08:56 am »

Quote from: paul saunders on January 21, 2011, 08:00:31 am

I think "deaf and dumb" means, can't hear, can't speak, not can't hear and stupid (dumb).

:

« **Reply #33 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:18:32 am »

its taken a new twist. turns out the bloke texting me isnt the deaf lad,its some kind of agent or helper or friend. left me feeling uncertain as to whether to follow through . especially as i was told to only text back as he was deaf

« **Reply #34 on:** January 21, 2011, 08:19:23 am »

I used to have a deaf bloke on the books carpet cleaning .

He had a buzzer on an armband , and if I wanted to attract his attention I just buzzed him from my sender .
He was a great worker , and never took off his buzzer . Dont know if they would be legal nowadays.

« **Reply #35 on:** January 21, 2011, 09:42:24 am »

Quote from: bobby p on January 21, 2011, 08:18:32 am

its taken a new twist. turns out the bloke texting me isnt the deaf lad,its some kind of agent or helper or friend. left me feeling uncertain as to whether to follow through . especially as i was told to only text back as he was deaf

Meet up with the guy!!

How else can he communicate with you over a phone other than text?

You work on your own at the moment? So, no one would hear you if you had an accident anyway.

There is of course discrimination laws that you need to consider if you are going to start employing people.

I am also finding some of the comments on this subject, quite worrying!!!!

« **Reply #36 on:** January 21, 2011, 12:01:13 pm »

Quote from: frankybadboy on January 21, 2011, 07:00:02 am

the words "deaf and dumb" are really offensive,

these word are old school and do not exist in todays world.

just cause you are deaf dont mean you are dumb

Franky it may be offensive now but my own mother referred to herself as deaf and dumb her whole life, it used to be a normal expression that meant no offence.

« **Reply #37 on:** January 21, 2011, 12:23:53 pm »

Quote from: Stu Mac on January 21, 2011, 12:01:13 pm

Quote from: frankybadboy on January 21, 2011, 07:00:02 am
the words "deaf and dumb" are really offensive,

these word are old school and do not exist in todays world.

just cause you are deaf dont mean you are dumb

Franky it may be offensive now but my own mother referred to herself as deaf and dumb her whole life, it used to be a normal expression that meant no offence.

And it still is a normal expression and is not construed in any shape or form as offensive.
(only perhaps by some over the top PC Brigade

)
Watching a programme not long ago about communicating with deaf, mute and blind people, some who have been like this since birth! They referred to the condition of can't hear, can't speak as deaf and dumb and were leading specialists in this field.

« **Reply #38 on:** January 21, 2011, 12:28:13 pm »

Bobby P, I think that you are now looking too deeply into this situation and as you say causing yourself uncertainties, that may just be unfounded. If you decide to interview this chap, subconsciously you will already have decided not to take him on

Either interview him, or send him a text saying that the position has already been filled

« **Reply #39 on:** January 21, 2011, 03:34:42 pm »

Quote from: Helen on January 21, 2011, 12:23:53 pm

Quote from: Stu Mac on January 21, 2011, 12:01:13 pm
Quote from: frankybadboy on January 21, 2011, 07:00:02 am
the words "deaf and dumb" are really offensive,

these word are old school and do not exist in todays world.

just cause you are deaf dont mean you are dumb

Franky it may be offensive now but my own mother referred to herself as deaf and dumb her whole life, it used to be a normal expression that meant no offence.

And it still is a normal expression and is not construed in any shape or form as offensive.
(only perhaps by some over the top PC Brigade )
Watching a programme not long ago about communicating with deaf, mute and blind people, some who have been like this since birth! They referred to the condition of can't hear, can't speak as deaf and dumb and were leading specialists in this field.

whta i say to you then is helen go and talk to someonewho is deaf and cant speak,and ask them if they are dumb.

you will be the dumb one believe me

,ive worked with people with hearing problems and cant speak,iam sevrely deaf in both ears and we have a son who is partly deaf,

has for been pc brigade, has you put it,these people do have feeling,look or in your case google the mean "dumb"

stu mac i did say old school mate.not in todays world

cause someone who in a wheel chair are they class as crippled.NO.

TOUCHLY SUBJECT,yes to me it is,and "deaf and dumb" is offence,look at my sticky post at the top of the page funraising and who for.then you will begin to understand. :

:

« **Reply #40 on:** January 21, 2011, 04:05:35 pm »

I suppose dumb/mute in English terminology as words bear no relevance to each other. Just shows how iffy language can be, and strewn together as a saying

Dumb is one word
Mute is another

Two completely different words with two completely different meanings.

How they got tied up into one saying, I dont know.

« **Reply #41 on:** January 21, 2011, 04:19:24 pm »

It will be good if you can let us know if anything comes of this Bobby.
Personally if it were me I would arrange to meet the guy and see how it goes.
Lets not forget this guy may have a hearing problem but he is flesh and blood like the rest of us and it sounds like his morals are in the right place because there are plenty of able bodied people out there who are too bloody lazy to even apply for a job!

« **Reply #42 on:** February 08, 2011, 06:43:30 pm »

UPDATE ---- turns out there was 2 of em ! both totally deaf . when i finally met them we communicated by pencil and paper ,luckily their writing was decent . Both impressed me by their appearance, werent shaved heads and just 2 very ordinary lads .

i couldnt decide which one to choose ,.so took them both on part time. this will allow me to see if either are clumsy . its early days but both seem happy enough

« **Reply #43 on:** February 08, 2011, 10:02:49 pm »

Darren who works for me isn't deaf HE JUST WONT LISTEN TO WHAT HE'S TOLD!!

« **Reply #44 on:** March 05, 2011, 06:40:08 pm »

it didnt work out in the end . one left for another job and the other started arriving late /or not at all . wouldnt reply to my text messages until at least 11pm . (i had to text as i couldnt talk with him on the phone). basically he didnt really want to do it and i read all sorts of text excuses such as oversleeping to having something else he wanted to do instead

so im back on the hunt for a helper ! by the way ,being deaf was no drawback as a cleaner .

« **Reply #45 on:** March 05, 2011, 07:44:22 pm »

Sorry to hear it didn't work out for you. Good on you for trying.

I had a lad with me, but we recently parted company because he wanted to do other things, and always seemed to have something or other wrong with him as well.

I have now cut my work down so there is enough for me to cope with alone.

John.

« **Reply #46 on:** March 05, 2011, 07:49:13 pm »

Where are you based Bobby? And what do you pay daily, I have a few sites that I might be able to post a wanted ad on. Not window cleaning sites though but its always worth a go, reliability seems to be so lacking these days.

« **Reply #47 on:** March 05, 2011, 08:08:28 pm »

the one thing i learned is that i definitely like having a helper along with me. i did the ladderwork while my helper did the low . the low includes door bits so in effect i got the best option doing the ups and we were Zapping through the work WHEN he was with me. trouble was on the days he didnt show i was faced with a mountain of work

i was paying him £8 per hour +his bus fare . im near Ipswich .

somewhere on this forum i once read of a scheme where you can take on a lad and its subsidized by the govt for a few months. im thinking i could ring up the local job centre and find out if such exists

« **Reply #48 on:** March 05, 2011, 08:33:55 pm »

Before I post on the other forum can you forward me your details, e-mail etc and I'll be able to pass it on if anyone replies.

Cheers.

« **Reply #49 on:** March 05, 2011, 08:47:49 pm »

cheers VSP , my email is bobphillpop@gmail.com . in your opinion,do you think i was paying too much? my aim was to try to get loyalty. but in hindsight i now think i came over as an easy-touch , for sure i got a few angry messages from the lad today. after i went round his and collected his work cap ,belt etc

« **Reply #50 on:** March 05, 2011, 08:53:09 pm »

I would say his disability is not associated with his hearing

Can't be arsed, un enthusiastic by the sound of it. A sad reflection of todays youf

I'll post the ad and see what happens. £8 ph hour is way more than the Dole mate and there's a lot of people that would work for way less.

When I was 18 I was earning £60 for a 6 day week..... and I had to get up at 2am and walk 37 miles to get there

£8 Bloody luxury I tell's ya

« **Reply #51 on:** March 05, 2011, 09:03:44 pm »

Are you sure you've typed your e-mail address correctly?

« **Reply #52 on:** March 05, 2011, 09:25:11 pm »

I got into window cleaning in February 1997 by learning from and helping a friend with his round. I walked 3 miles to his house, did an 8 hour day for 3 days per week (all he could offer me), then walked home again, all for £3 per hour, in all weathers.

No big deal, I wanted and need to work and just did it. Never looked back when I went it alone though!

I may sound old school, but it seems to me that many today want everything to fall into their lap for nowt in return!

John.

« **Reply #53 on:** March 05, 2011, 09:43:55 pm »

sorry i typed it wrongly VSP Its bobphillpot@gmail.com

« **Reply #54 on:** March 06, 2011, 07:05:45 am »

bobby

i was always told that you would probaly go though about 10 people before you find the right one.

« **Reply #55 on:** March 06, 2011, 09:01:19 am »

Quote from: frankybadboy on March 06, 2011, 07:05:45 am

bobby

i was always told that you would probaly go though about 10 people before you find the right one.

have you got a decent one now then FRANKY? did it really take ten before you got lucky ?

« **Reply #56 on:** March 06, 2011, 09:16:44 am »

I know of a deaf window cleaner, his name is Frank,every time i ring him he cant hear his phone!

« **Reply #57 on:** March 06, 2011, 09:23:20 am »

Quote from: bobby p on March 05, 2011, 08:08:28 pm

the one thing i learned is that i definitely like having a helper along with me. i did the ladderwork while my helper did the low . the low includes door bits so in effect i got the best option doing the ups and we were Zapping through the work WHEN he was with me. trouble was on the days he didnt show i was faced with a mountain of work

i was paying him £8 per hour +his bus fare . im near Ipswich .

somewhere on this forum i once read of a scheme where you can take on a lad and its subsidized by the govt for a few months. im thinking i could ring up the local job centre and find out if such exists

Maybe if you had paid him a bit less it would have encouraged him to work the full amount of hours that you required. Unfortunately, taking time off probably didn't hurt him in the pocket too much because by the time tax and NI are taken into account, he loses a lot less than would first appear. Also, it is possible (though by no means certain) that he was getting something from the government for his hearing problem and maybe didn't need extra money as much as he first thought.