Welcome to Deaf-Friendly Services at Deserving Body Massage!

Below you will find detailed information about:

• Importance of Communication in a massage setting


• How Deaf benefit from a massage therapist who can sign


• My experience with the Deaf and American Sign Language in general


• Communication Modes for clients who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind


• Suggestions (prior to your massage visit)


• Contacting me easily


• Summary (of your Benefits here as Deaf Client)

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Importance of Communication
in a Massage Setting:

In order for your body to fully appreciate the benefits of massage therapy, you as client need to feel comfortable . Certainly for clients who are Deaf, a significant part of this comfort level is related to communication.

Since meeting my wife (who is Deaf) 8 years ago, I have witnessed the unfathomable and appalling barriers to clear and open communication that Deaf experience in a variety of settings: from doctor’s offices refusing interpreters for the Deaf, no interpreter in a baby delivery room, interpreters not present during surgery, unqualified interpreters in educational settings, to movie theaters that do not offer any captioning (or abruptly change closed captioned screening times, leaving a frustrated Deaf potential movie-goer).

Sadly, there appears to be an amazing lack of information and knowledge about people who are Deaf, and about Deaf culture in general, which is especially crippling in a clinical setting, with assessment and treatment of Deaf clientele.

Research shows that less than 4 out of 10 general practitioners provide communications support for people who are Deaf or have hearing difficulties! Furthermore, I understand that despite the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1993, the discrimination Deaf people encounter in health and social care certainly appear to diminish your well-being as a Deaf client.

In retrospect, I realize that I was woefully ignorant to Deaf issues prior to meeting my wife, simply due to lack of exposure. Back then, I still reached for a pen and paper to communicate more effectively. Since meeting my wonderful wife, I have noticed how so much of the hearing world seems to expect Deaf to read lips and for Deaf to initiate the bridging of the communication gap.

In my clinical setting, I promise to all prospective Deaf and Hard of Hearing clients that the pursuit of effective and appropriate communication for you is of critical importance.

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Benefits of services from a signing
massage therapist

It is absolutely essential to me that Deaf clients feel that they can fully trust me as a safe and effective practitioner.

There will be no shuffling of papers from client to myself as a communication device except for the intake form that all clients fill out (or for clients who don’t use sign language as a principal form of communication).

As a result of utilizing sign language as our communication medium, we can more quickly ascertain (or determine) the proper approach (massage technique etc…) for your benefit.

Also, since we are not dependent on an interpreter for communication, you as a client are afforded the same promise of complete confidentiality that all clients are granted.

You will find that I am deeply committed to respect and sensitivity for your culture, communication style(s), and preferences; I truly listen to your concerns. I dedicate my massage practice to the ideal that ALL clients thoroughly receive access to information and resources to promote their well-being.

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My Experience with the Deaf and using ASL

As previously mentioned, I have a spouse who is Deaf and we use ASL as our primary mode of communication (in truth, she patiently tolerates my PSE!).

We attend Deaf gatherings and Deaf events as a family. Also, I previously worked as a Residential Advisor at a school for the Deaf, in their middle-school boy’s dorm with Deaf and Hard of Hearing boys.

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Communication Modes for clients who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind

There are a variety of ways that we may communicate effectively (during your massage) depending on your chosen style of communication.

• We can rely on sign language to convey meaning before and throughout your massage session.
• We may use a body map pictures to further clarify specific problem areas.
• I have also learned several methods to facilitate communication with people who are Hard of Hearing.
• I’ve also a variety of communication styles for clients who are Late-Deafened, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf who do not sign.
• Tactile sign language for clients who are Deaf and Blind.

Please click here for more information on communication styles for clients who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind.

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Suggestions prior to your massage visit:

Allow me to suggest that you arrive at least 15 minutes early for your session. This will allow us to establish the most effective communication style for us; and to fill out the intake form.

Please remember that my massage practice is inside the Sevya store, which is at 2009 13th Street, next door to the landmark Boulder Café. You will find my sign for Therapeutic Massage Therapy outside the storefront.

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Contact Me Easily

For pre or post session contact, we can communicate using e-mail, through (SMS) text messaging, or the relay service (VCO also welcome).

To contact me via e-mail, please click here and I will be able to respond quickly.

To send me a text message, please send your message to 720-470-7890.

To call me via relay (or relay VCO), please call me at 720-470-7890.

I do plan on purchasing a Video Phone soon, so please stay tuned!

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Summary (of your Benefits here as Deaf Client)

As much as anyone else, you as a person who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind deserve respect and sensitivity for your communication styles, culture, and preferences.

Here, you will always be able to contribute independently and fully to your own comfort and security. Your visit for massage here guarantees that you stay empowered in making your own decisions about your health and well-being.

Be assured that here at Deserving Body Massage, your needs will be understood, met, and heard!

Click here to learn what to expect when you get a massage

Make an appointment easily - try online appointment scheduler

Contact me via e-mail form

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