A hearing impairment can range from profound (deaf) to moderate or mild (hard of hearing). To communicate, students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing may use a variety of communication methods including hearing aids, lip reading, an FM/Digital system, sign language, interpreters, and/or Real Time captioning.
If the student uses an interpreter, speak directly to the student, not the interpreter.
E-mail is an effective system for getting messages and changes in procedures to students. A telecommunication device (TDD/TTY) can also be used for communicating.
If the student reads lips make sure you face the student when you speak and speak naturally and clearly. It is not helpful to raise your voice or exaggerate your speech or facial expressions. Repeat questions and comments made by students in class before providing the answer.
Overhead projectors provide visual backup and allow presenters to face the audience when speaking.
Verify that any videos used in your class or program are closed captioned. If you want to show a video in class and find that it is not captioned you will need to locate a captioned version of the video. If a captioned version of the video you want to show is not available, please contact the Media and Access Technology Coordinator at least 2 weeks before it is needed.
Whenever possible provide a written script or outline of lectures/presentations and key vocabulary in advance.
Speak directly to the student, not the interpreter.
E-mail or a telecommunication device (TDD/TTY) can be used to send messages to students.
If the student reads lips, make sure you face the student when you speak and speak naturally and clearly.
Overhead projectors provide visual backup and allow presenters to face the audience when speaking.
Verify that any videos used in your class or program are closed captioned.
Whenever possible provide a written script or outline of lectures/presentations and key vocabulary in advance.