D&HHS Needs More “Communicator” Face Masks -

D&HHS Needs More “Communicator” Face Masks

What started out as a grassroots mask-making project to benefit the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has grown beyond the expectations of all involved.

Sarah Bloomfield, a nurse living and working in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, began making masks with a clear plastic panel for interpreters and anyone else impacted by hearing loss or deafness. Some of those ended up with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in West Michigan for use with its interpreters.

As a result of news coverage of that initial donation, more people began making the clear-panel masks for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and people also began requesting them.

As of Memorial Day weekend, almost 300 masks had been donated and almost 250 have been given out, primarily to interpreters and healthcare providers, including audiologists and hospitals.

Now, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is hoping DIYers might be able to supply the org with more clear-panel masks.

They have a PDF on their website of a pattern that works well. They also suggest that more neutral colors work best with colors such as light pinks, tans or browns easiest to match to skin tones.

LINK TO PDF: https://deafhhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Communicator-Face-Mask.pdf

Another caution: be careful when buying vinyl for the windows. All of the masks donated have been beautifully made with attention to detail, but Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services has received feedback that thinner vinyl and plastic tends to crease. One suggestion is to buy a clear shower curtain (polyvinyl-chloride free) and use that for the windows. Finally, the larger the window the more of the expression that can be seen.

To donate, or to ask about getting a mask, contact Advocacy Specialist, Jessica Oliver at Advocacy@deafhhs.org