Masks thread.

1. It is perfectly fine for deaf people to fear masks, stop being condescending about it. Deaf people are visual people, it is taking away that visual mode. Give people space to process that.

2. Science now points at masks help contain the spread of Covid-19. I thought this back in March when looking at the FT daily charts for respective countries. However I am not a scientist so I listened.

3. Advocates of clear masks. Did you stop and ask if these were within the guidelines or even legal? The Wales Government has specified three layer masks, it hasn't listed any exceptions to this. Other govts? I am waiting for the regulations but this is a point many are missing.

4. On the point of Wales, the Chief Medical Officer has issued guidance and acknowledged masks sometimes do not need to be worn in medical settings where social distancing is maintained.

5. Use strategies to mitigate communication barriers. Writing by any means if need, entering into communication before you get there via email if you can, watch someone's eyes for clues, ditto the mask moving.

6. Strategies continued. Ask closed questions if you speak. Then answer yes or no whilst nodding or shaking your head, it gives the other person permission and a guide. Lead the conversation. Use gestures. We do this already, amplify it. Step outside too.

7. However, deaf people will always know this is not ever going to be enough for some situations. Yes there are going to be times where communication fails spectacularly, there will be tears, it will place barriers. Sometimes we need an off day. Give space for this.

8. We need to acknowledge that space in the middle which this conversation hasn't done much of to date. It is fine to support looking after your health with masks and acknowledging this isn't going to be easy at times.

On a personal note, I won't be going much anywhere in the next year. I am a carer for two people. Masks don't have me eager to go anywhere either. I have the skills but there comes a point where the effort isn't worth the returns. I have other things to do. I am okay with that.