The
pandemic situation has changed many of our habits, especially in the
communication and the relational fields, due to the so-called “social
distancing”. The complex adaptation to the adopted prevention norms has been
even more complicated for some categories, which have been further penalized by
the situation: this is the case of deaf people who find themselves catapulted
into a world in which their lips hid by a mask that prevents communication.
Despite some local initiatives to promote transparent masks, there has
been no concrete proposal at the national level. This paper offers a reflection
on the communication approach with deaf people and on the resources and
strategies to face this extraordinary situation and the possible scenarios that
may emerge in the future, now that Italy has actually recognized the Italian
Sign Language.