Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Services

Working with Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

If a student who is deaf, hard of hearing, or has an auditory processing disorder is in class, the “Notice of Academic Accommodation” email from ODS will list the accommodations that are appropriate for the student. Among these are:

• FM/Assistive Listening Devices
• Real-time Transcribing
• Real-time Captioning (CART)
• Sign Language Interpreting
• Accessible Audio/Video Materials

Additional information about each of the listed accommodations can be found by clicking the links above.

There are several teaching techniques that are helpful for students with hearing loss in your class. These include:

• Ensuring that lighting is adequate for the student to see the interpreters.
• Avoid standing with your back to light sources (such as windows). Doing so can create shadows on the face and prevents the student from speechreading.
• Avoid speaking while facing away from the class; avoid covering the mouth and face with papers, books, hands, etc.
• You are providing copies of overheads, PowerPoints, and other visual aids to the student in advance. A student watching an interpreter or a transcriber's computer screen cannot simultaneously see the material that you reference in class.
• When using media provide a captioned copy when a student with a hearing loss is present in the class.
• Requesting an interpreter or transcriber for meetings with the student if such is necessary to ensure communication access. Fill out a Request for Interpreter or Transcriber form and submit to ODS @disabilityservices@xula.edu at least 24 hours in advance.
• Striving to minimize background/environmental noises.
• Using written notes to communicate with the student when interpreters or transcribers are unavailable.

For additional information, please contact ODS@disabilityservices.edu or 504-520-7607