Disability Support Services

When you have a student in your class who has a hearing impairment:

• Anticipate DSS's or the student's request to help find a volunteer or two from the class who will share class notes;
• Work with the sign language interpreter(s) (if needed and provided by DSS) to ensure that orally presented information is communicated effectively to and from the student;
• Work with real-time transcriptionist(s) (if needed and provided by DSS) who provide transcription of spoken information for students who need access but who do not use interpreters;
• Write technical or unfamiliar vocabulary on the chalkboard or overhead transparency;
• Repeat questions asked by the class so that all can hear;
• Face the class when speaking. If necessary, use document camera or other technological aids to present materials created in class, particularly in classes where a great deal of board work is anticipated (e.g. math, sciences, etc.);
• Be aware that some students may ask you to use an assistive listening system -- a wireless microphone which transmits your voice directly to a receiver worn by the student. This helps bring your voice right to their ear, and minimizes the impact of extraneous noises in the room.