DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED
What can you do when you're working with children with hearing impairments or hearing loss?
- Make sure the child can see your lips and facial expressions when you are talking. Never talk with your back turned to the student.
- Speak naturally and not too loudly if the child wears a hearing aid.
- Try not to move around too much when you are speaking, if you have to move about, be sure to try and face the child as much as possible.
- Do not overuse hand gestures. Children do not like to be treated differently.
- Always ensure that directions, assignments, instructions are understood before the child begins working.
- Ask the child to repeat instructions and directions back to you, rather than ask if he/she understands.
- Use visual aids when appropriate. Write lists on the board or paper, ask the child to take notes.
- If appropriate, teach some sign language to the class.
- Maintain close contact with the professionals that may be involved.
- Always speak from a well lit area to enable the child to see your face.
- Use as many audio/video components as is possible in your program.
- Reduce extraneous noise whenever possible.
- Always ask yourself how you can make the lesson or activity more visual.
|
|
|
|