How to include the deaf in holiday activities

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --- The holidays are a stressful time of year for many people, but imagine having the added pressure of being unable to communicate with those around the dinner table.

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are ways you can help.

Carmela Roybal has been deaf almost her whole life. She became sick when she was younger which may have caused her hearing loss. During the holiday season, that hearing loss can be tough.

"Often a deaf person is at the table and just focuses on their food. Everyone's talking around the table, so as a deaf person, you just focus on your food," said Roybal.

There are things you can do to make things easier on those who are hard of hearing or deaf.

1. Put closed captions on the TV

2. Have a pen and paper ready at the table

3. Remove center pieces

4. Cut down on the background noise

5. NEVER tell the person who is deaf that "you'll just tell them later."

Don't feel obligated to learn sign language, but if you want to, you can learn a couple signs to make them feel more at ease.