Hello,

I actively avoid participating in discussion of many sorts, but Romaine is a very nice and friendly so I want to weigh in. He works so hard too and keeps trying to make things cheerful (which is needed). I understand if people are sensitive to touching, hugging, and/or sometimes handshaking, but they could say that or have a sticker on their badges or something. I know one might feel bad turning down a handshake or a hug, but it is better than considering it as misconduct from the person offering it.
I don't think it is now about cultural backgrounds more than individual preferences. So the bottom line is make your preferences known.

Best,
Reem

On Fri, 20 Jul 2018 at 12:38, Chris Keating <chriskeatingwiki@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello - I wouldn't claim to know anything about the specifics of
what's happened here but did just want to respond to this:

> * On one hand, Romaine *has* to be close to a person he is talking to, otherwise he is unable to hear them. I know him, he really is.

I work in an office where about 20% of the workforce are deaf or hard
of hearing. I have never known a situation where someone feels they
'have' to be so close to someone to hear that the other party feels
uncomfortable.

There is plenty one can do to make life easier for a deaf friend or
colleague (speak clearly, make eye contact, keep your face in full
view, use plenty of body language...) but standing right next to them
is not the normal way to do it.

Thanks,

Chris

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