Sheila, who is Deaf and works in a dental office, is feeling isolated mainly due to what?

Sheila, who is Deaf and works in a dental office, is feeling isolated mainly due to what?

• A. A lack of trust caused by communication challenges
• B. Scheduling conflicts
• C. Salary differences
• D. Physical distance

Answer: (A)

Feeling connected in a workplace for a Deaf employee comes down to access to clear communication and being included in conversations and decisions. In Sheila’s dental office, if information isn’t accessible—no interpreters, no visual notes, or no ASL-friendly communication—she can feel left out. When she can’t participate fully or understand what’s happening around her, trust with coworkers and the team erodes, which leads to a sense of isolation. Scheduling issues, pay differences, or physical distance might create friction in other contexts, but they don’t inherently address the daily need for accessible communication that builds trust and belonging. Providing interpreters, captioning, written communication, and inclusive practices helps Sheila stay integrated and connected with the team and patients.

Feeling connected in a workplace for a Deaf employee comes down to access to clear communication and being included in conversations and decisions. In Sheila’s dental office, if information isn’t accessible—no interpreters, no visual notes, or no ASL-friendly communication—she can feel left out. When she can’t participate fully or understand what’s happening around her, trust with coworkers and the team erodes, which leads to a sense of isolation. Scheduling issues, pay differences, or physical distance might create friction in other contexts, but they don’t inherently address the daily need for accessible communication that builds trust and belonging. Providing interpreters, captioning, written communication, and inclusive practices helps Sheila stay integrated and connected with the team and patients.