What is generally regarded as the least effective communication strategy between Deaf and hearing individuals?

The communication strategy recognized as the least effective between Deaf and hearing individuals is speech and lip reading. This approach often poses significant challenges for Deaf individuals, as it relies heavily on auditory processing and visual accuracy. Many Deaf individuals may not have the ability to hear spoken language, which makes relying on speech alone problematic.

Furthermore, lip reading is inherently difficult; only a small fraction of spoken words is visible on the lips, and many sounds can look similar, often leading to misunderstandings. Factors such as lighting, accents, and facial expressions also affect the ability to accurately lip-read.

On the other hand, strategies like sign language and gestures, writing notes, and text messaging tend to facilitate clearer communication. Sign language uses a rich visual language that conveys meaning effectively. Writing notes allows for clarity without reliance on speech, and text messaging provides an asynchronous and flexible mode of communication that can be easily understood by both parties.