Dinner Table Syndrome: A Hidden Struggle for Inclusion Among Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals

The holidays are coming up and that means more family gatherings around the table. These situations can sometimes be stressful for Deaf/Hard of Hearing kids, adults, and grandparents. Some Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) individuals experience Dinner Table Syndrome (DTS) during what should be an enjoyable time can instead, be very isolating for them. 

Dinner Table Syndrome (DTS) is where D/HH people are left out of conversations at the dinner table.  This can lead to feeling lonely or unimportant because they aren’t included or able to join in the conversation.

David Bradshaw, a Utah Videographer, made a video called The Silent Dinner that gives a great example of DTS. In The Silent Dinner you get to experience DTS through a young Deaf girl’s perspective. As you watch we recommend you put yourself in the girl’s shoes and notice how you feel. 

After you watch the video and reflect back on your feelings, think of ways you can better include a D/HH individual in your conversations around the dinner table. 

Here are some tips to help you know how to include Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) individuals: 

• Make sure there is good lighting so D/HH individuals can read lips or see hands as people are using American Sign Language. 
• Actively involve D/HH individuals in conversations by asking questions or letting them add to the conversation. 
• Don’t dismiss the D/HH individuals by saying never mind, it’s not important, or I will tell you later. 
• Reduce background noise. 
• Make sure not to block the D/HH individual from the person who is talking and don’t cover your mouth. 
• Learn American Sign Language (ASL) if the D/HH family member uses ASL. (The EHDI Parent Consultants can help you find local classes to learn ASL. Email ehdiparents@utah.gov for more information.) 

We hope the holiday season will be enjoyable and inclusive for everyone!