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