Deafness by Allison Babb
Definition:
Deafness is a hearing impairment so severe that a child is impaired in processing linguist information through hearing, with or without amplification, which adversely affects a child's educational performance.
Characteristics:
· Lack of normal hearing
· Speech Delays
· Communication Difficulties
· Selective Hearing
· Generally have the same academic ability as peers
Teaching Strategies:
· Have a conversation before and after class
Before each class, or at least before each unit, sit down with the student and outline what you will be going over in class. After each class, briefly review the content with the student.
· Use visual approaches whenever possible
Individuals who are deaf depend heavily on visual cues.
· Do hands-on group activities
When doing group activities, try to incorporate many hands-on activities. It is also wise to print out additional instructions so they are visually present.
· Be direct
ASL does not allow much room for “beating around the bush”. Be direct with students who are deaf to avoid confusion.
· Make sure your student has a voice
Don’t talk down to the student—the hearing is impaired, not the intelligence. When talking with a student, be sure to look them in the eye and address them directly instead of talking to the interpreter. Be sure to talk through the interpreter, not to the interpreter.
Resources:
· The parent(s)
The family of a student with deafness will be an excellent resource because they will know what strategies work for their student.
· The student
Ask the student with deafness what helps him or her learn best.
· Audiologist
An audiologist is a specialist who is trained to evaluate hearing loss and related disorders. Ideally, there will be at least one audiologist in your district. This individual will be able to help train you to use technology the student may use and give you tips and strategies
· https://www.deaftec.org/classact
This is a website that was developed to support teachers who work with students with deafness in an inclusive classroom.