Nabbi-Maharaj and her team work with companies to build understanding around Deaf culture, improve communication, and foster inclusive workplace environments. She recalls working with a company that had no prior experience hiring a Deaf employee. One of their biggest concerns was around communication.
“Most companies are not unwilling; they are simply unsure,” says Nabbi-Maharaj. “They’re unsure about how communication will work and whether they will be able to support a Deaf employee effectively.”
After receiving guidance and support from DEAFinition, the company went ahead and appointed a Deaf staff member. The integration went more smoothly than they expected. “Over time, the team became more confident, communication improved, and the employee became a valued and high-performing member of the team,” says Nabbi-Maharaj.
She adds that, “Concerns are usually based on unfamiliarity rather than actual difficulty. Once employers see how practical and achievable inclusion is, hesitation quickly turns into confidence.”
Here are five ways companies leading the way in inclusivity are turning Deaf gain into business gain:
1/ Formal training
Companies that achieve the best results are those with open-minded leadership and a willingness to learn. South African Sign Language (SASL) has been one of South Africa’s official languages since 2023. DEAFinition offers basic SASL training for the employer and the Deaf individual’s team. Beyond the language, teams learn about Deaf culture, visual communication, and understanding the needs of Deaf colleagues. “Once they experience how manageable and effective these adjustments are, confidence replaces hesitation,” says Nabbi-Maharaj.
2/ Better communication
Having Deaf people on the team forces companies to be clearer and more intentional about their internal communication – something all staff can benefit from. Regularly updating noticeboards, putting up posters, sending emails and organising formal meetings rather than informal chats are all ways to keep Deaf employees in the loop – and help prevent misinformation from spreading around the office. “Communication doesn’t need to be complicated,” says Nabbi-Maharaj. “Small, practical changes, such as being more visual, more structured, and more intentional, can make a significant difference.”
3/ Using technology
The SASL DEAFinition app (free to download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store) contains more than 10 000 signs with video demos. They’re organised by category, including a comprehensive collection of phrases specifically for the workplace.
4/ Addressing misconceptions
“Once companies understand that Deafness is not a limitation but a difference in language, their perspective begins to shift. The biggest barrier is not Deafness; it’s mindset. When that shifts, inclusion becomes much easier,” says Nabbi-Maharaj. It often happens faster than expected. “When Deaf individuals are given an opportunity, they embrace it fully. Many have had limited access to opportunities, so when they enter the workplace, they bring strong commitment, focus, and a genuine drive to succeed.”
5/ Being curious
People are often hesitant to ask questions because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. But DEAFinition encourages both hearing and Deaf colleagues to be curious, ask questions and find a system of communication that works for everyone. “The most successful workplaces are not those that get everything right from the start, but those that are open, curious, and willing to learn together,” says Nabbi-Maharaj.
Six learners who completed the NQF level 3 programme through eDeaf last year with the support of VML are now advancing to the NQF level 4 programme. Soon, these candidates will be ready for the workplace. With a commitment to inclusivity and an attitude of curiosity, the workplace can be ready for them.