The therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel. As with all addicts, when we help an addict with additional needs we help carry the message of NA recovery.

Addicts with Hearing Impairment

There are several types of hearing loss and just as many words to describe them. Deaf is generally used to characterize individuals who have lost most or all of their hearing. Hard of hearing describes those who can hear only with difficulty.

Communication

There are many ways in which hearing-impaired individuals communicate with others, including speech and lip reading. Some prefer written notes. Of the manual communication methods, sign language is most popular. A few practical considerations need to be followed when communicating with hearing-impaired individuals. For example, when first meeting a hearing-impaired individual, we can observe how they communicate with hearing people or make contact by getting their attention first. Speaking slowly and clearly in a normal tone of voice helps. It is also helpful to use short sentences and maintain eye contact, even with an interpreter present. When listening to a hearing-impaired addict speak, pay close attention. Writing a note to a hearing-impaired person is always acceptable, but keep thoughts organized
and the note concise.

Using an Interpreter

Whether or not to use an interpreter should be the choice of the addict with the impairment. First and foremost, we need to make sure we have only qualified interpreters in our meetings. If our group does not have the funds to cover a qualified interpreter, an outside agency for individuals with additional needs may be able to assist with this expense. According to the Seventh Tradition, our group cannot ask an outside entity to pay for services provided in our meetings, but the impaired individual can. In many cases, they will also have experience with such agencies.

When an interpreter is present, he or she is there to serve only as facilitator. When speaking, face the hearing-impaired individual, not the interpreter, and speak at a normal tone and pace. In a group setting, position chairs so that everyone in the group is visible, and allow only one addict to share at a time. The interpreter may need a moment to finish signing, so be sure to pause between comments.

Using Other Tools

Some hearing-impaired individuals prefer technological tools which help improve hearing in a group setting. When these tools are used in a meeting, it should be announced and emphasized to the group that such a tool is an amplifying device and not a recorder. It is also possible for hearing-impaired individuals to communicate on the telephone if they have a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), most commonly known as a Text Telephone (TTY). However, both the caller and the recipient must have one. Unfortunately, most people—with or without hearing loss—do not own a TDD/TTY due to the high cost of owning one.

Addicts with Visual Impairment

Although there are many types of visual impairment and each individual’s situation will be different, for the sake of simplicity we will discuss blind, visually impaired, low vision, and sight-impaired addicts as one group of addicts with additional needs.

Accessing NA Literature

The most common method for visually impaired addicts to access our literature in recent years has been the use of cassette tapes. The WSO has a variety of tapes and NA recovery literature available for visually impaired addicts. Outside agencies, both government and private, may also be helpful resources and have some NA materials available.

Technological solutions, such as photocopying machines which can both duplicate and enlarge items may be available to help visually impaired addicts access our literature. Also, most addicts with visual impairment have friends in the fellowship who are willing to record various pieces of recovery literature. (A word of caution: anyone who agrees to record literature should be careful to read the text exactly as it is written without personal interpretation or editorial comments included.) In addition, it is now possible by using computers and special devices and software, to scan, enlarge, and even read literature to individuals who cannot see. When using technology, it is important to remember that as with any other copyrighted material, limits are placed on the reproduction and distribution of NA literature. The guidelines for each situation may vary, so it is best to contact the WSO with any questions.

Meetings

When providing transportation to visually impaired addicts, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. For example, do not honk the horn unless you are sure that the person will recognize your car. If someone is carrying a white cane, anyone traveling with him or her should either get out of the way or announce their own location. Some visually impaired addicts may need guidance up and down stairs, hallways, or to and from the car. Those with a guide dog may need little assistance, if any, as the dog is trained to do most of the work.

In most cases, visually impaired persons will ask for the information they need in order to be comfortable within their surroundings. A few minutes should be spent pointing out emergency exits, restrooms, and if necessary, the layout of the restroom. They may also need help getting coffee and finding a seat. As a courtesy, have everyone in the meeting introduce themselves. When greeting a person who is visually impaired, be sure to request a hug before making physical contact and do not touch their dog without asking permission. Just as importantly, never stay silent if a visually impaired addict enters the room alone. Each visually impaired addict’s needs may be different, but there is one rule that applies to every case: never grab, pull, or push a visually impaired individual in an effort to be helpful. When in doubt as to the level of assistance someone needs, ask.

Addicts in Wheelchairs and Mobility Impaired

Although circumstances have changed in recent years to make recovery possible for most addicts, many meetings are still not accessible to addicts using wheelchairs. In this case, accessibility means more than being able to pass through the front door, such as an operable ramp into the facility with parking nearby, restrooms which allow access to everyone, wide doorways, and meeting rooms which are not congested. Make sure your meeting location meets these minimum standards of accessibility. If it does not, seek a location that does if you want your meeting to be accessible by all addicts. These considerations should also be made for all NA functions, service meetings, and conventions. Make sure that meeting lists and flyers identify meetings and/or events as wheelchair accessible, and be sure to provide H&I and PI subcommittees with this information.

Once an accessible facility has been secured, individuals can help by volunteering to greet and assist addicts in wheelchairs. The volunteers need only to be willing to provide a smile, a greeting and a hug, and be able to lift and carry a wheelchair if necessary.

For more information about accessibility for those with additional needs, please refer to Additional Needs Resource Information (WSO Catalog Item No. 2114).