BRCC Disability Services Handbook: Deaf or Hard of Hearing

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Blue Ridge Community College Disability Services: Faculty Handbook, College Drive - Flat Rock, N.C. 28731-9624 - www.blueridge.edu

Page 7 of 12

Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

It is not always readily apparent if a student is deaf or hard of hearing. Some students who are deaf or hard of hearing wear hearing aids, but aids are so compact and cosmetic they are hardly noticeable.

The major challenge facing the student who is deaf or hard of hearing is communication. Preferred modes of communication vary, as does residual hearing and the capacity to utilize speech. The student is the expert in what adaptations are needed and should be consulted early and often to establish and maintain acceptable classroom adaptations. Students who are deaf or hard of hearing generally compensate for hearing loss in one of two ways: 1) simultaneous lip-reading and reliance on residual hearing, or 2) simultaneous lip-reading, residual hearing, and sign language.

Typical accommodations for a student who is deaf or hard of hearing may include:

Sign language interpreter.
Note taker.
Tape recorder.
FM system where the instructor uses a lapel microphone.
Seating near the instructor.
Visual aids when possible.
Supplementation of lectures with written outlines or notes on the board.
Closed-captioning on all multimedia displays. (This is a legal requirement.)

Suggestions to facilitate classroom participation of students who are deaf or hard of hearing

Avoid turning your back to the student when speaking.
Try to avoid standing with your back to a window or other light source.
Repeat questions or comments made by other persons in the room.
Keep the areas of the mouth visible to the student.
Speak naturally and clearly but avoid exaggerated lip movements or volume.
Use facial expressions, gestures, and other "body language" to help convey your message.

Sign language interpreters

When the student who is deaf or hard of hearing has the assistance of an interpreter, direct the conversation to the student who is deaf or hard of hearing since the communication is with that student rather than the interpreter. Slides and videotapes reinforce what is being said. However, these materials may be difficult to interpret due to sound quality and speed of delivery. Provide a written script to the interpreter and student in advance if it is available. Notices of class cancellations, assignments, etc. can be put in writing or on the board to ensure understanding.

Possible accommodations by area of disability for students who are deaf or hard of hearing

Area of disability	Available accommodations
Inability to receive any information in auditory form.	Relay services for placing calls: (800- 676-3777). FAX communication. Electronic mail. Visual cues for auditory prompts. Computer-aided transcription. Captioning for multi-media. Sign language interpreter.
Limited or poor speech.	Grammar check software. Spell check. Word prediction.
Inability to hear auditory information with background noise. Inability to discriminate sounds of consonants in auditory information.	FAX communication. Electronic mail. Headphones with jack. Hearing aids. Assistive listening devices (ALD). Captioning systems. Appropriate light for lip reading.

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