Sarina is a customer order processor at STILL. And deaf. We visited Sarina Ferreira at her workplace in Hamburg, Germany, and asked her: How does collaboration work in a team where nobody speaks fluent sign language? What do you do when the phone rings? And what does inclusion mean to you? During Diversity and Inclusion Awarness Month, we are particularly committed to promoting more respect and diversity in the world of work.
2024-06-19
Sarina: I want to be treated as normal as you and everybody else. So we work here and we're colleagues, we're employees, and there has to be a good foundation of trust. It would be great if people made an effort and didn't run away from me out of fear. But I don't need a safe space, I don't need a lot of attention, I don't need special treatment. I just need somebody to make an effort and consider me.
A few tips when dealing with deaf people: For example, if someone's birthday is being sung in the office, you should explain, "Now it's a birthday serenade. The gossip that is discussed in the coffee kitchen is also exciting for a deaf person to hear. Apart from professional communication these things are important so that the deaf person feels included and part of the group. I also want to know where the next vacation is going, who is getting married or who quit their job.
Sarina: Phew, it depends on the situation. We have different tasks in the department and sometimes I have questions about other people's work. Then I describe my problem via email or Microsoft Teams and we chat about it. Sometimes we sit together in front of the computer or monitor. Then we also write on paper to communicate with each other. Basically, we use different channels.
Sarina: Employers should break down barriers as much as possible and take the deaf person into account. For example, all videos should be subtitled and interpreters should be present at official events. At STILL, for example, the works council arranges for interpreters at company meetings so that deaf colleagues can also participate in face-to-face meetings. If a company decides to employ deaf people, they must be given equal opportunities and the framework conditions must be right.
For me, inclusion means that everyone comes together. Everyone is equal and considered equally. No matter who they are and what color they are. And it means that everyone can participate, that collaboration works, that people talk to each other and reach out, and that there are no barriers. For me, an inclusive work environment is a completely normal, free and self-determined way of working together.
Sarina: Yes, of course. For example, making phone calls is part of most office jobs. But how do I do that as a deaf person? I use a tablet with a digital interpreting service application. During office hours, my contacts call the interpreting service on the landline, and I see the translation of the conversation into sign language on the tablet and can respond in turn. Conversely, I give the interpreting service a phone number and they call the branch offices, for example. So I can make phone calls.
Artificial intelligence, such as automatic translation in Teams calls, also helps me. In Microsoft Teams, I can turn on the transcript and read what the others are saying. I then use the chat function to communicate myself.
Another special technical feature is that Occupational Safety has installed a visual light signal system for fire alarms. This is important so that in the event of a fire I can hear the signals and leave the building on my own. Other than that, I don't need anything special. I can work well on my own.
Sarina: No, it is not a rude question. I was born deaf and we assume that the deafness was inherited from my parents.
Sarina: Oh God, that's a bit of a long story. My father has been working at STILL for 25 years and is also deaf. I worked here for ten weeks as part of a student internship and had a lot of fun. After I finished school I was interested in an apprenticeship and STILL could also imagine that. So I applied as usual and got an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk.
Sarina: I work in the Customer Order Center and look after the Châtellerault plant and a lot of branches. So I'm the contact person for the vehicles that are produced at the Châtellerault plant and sold to customers. I act as an intermediary between the branches and production, and I help with customer orders, questions and problems.
Sarina: No, not at all. Neither in sign language nor in writing. We only communicate in written English.
Sarina: I think there are five or six deaf people at the moment. There used to be more than ten, but some of them have retired or changed employers.
Sarina: It's just like a normal working day. I do my work, I have daily tasks that I have to do, and then I go to meetings. Maybe one difference is that I have interpreters with me on a regular basis, especially in meetings and at meeting times, to support me.
I work very independently and people trust me. That is a basis on which I can work well. And I like to communicate in writing in English, it enriches me.
Sarina: During my apprenticeship, I ran for election to the Young Apprentices Council. I thought my chances were slim and was absolutely thrilled when I was elected. I served for two years. I regularly attended meetings, took on many different tasks and was very grateful because we always worked well together. Every deaf person has experienced exclusion and being treated as if they are less educated or excluded. Here it was the opposite. I was included, treated as an equal and was able to do my volunteer work really well. It was a really nice experience for me.
Sarina: We did a lot of things for the interns during that time. One example that fits in with our topic today: We planned a respect campaign. My job was to organize and run a workshop with another trainee on the topic of diversity in training and discrimination against trainees. The feedback from the others after the event was very positive, which made me very happy.
Sarina: I would like to have a career. But I don't know what it will look like or where it will go. I'll keep an open mind and see what happens.
