How can a student with a hearing impairment fully participate in my discussion?
A. A student who has a hearing impairment may use an amplification device, lip read, or use a sign language interpreter. The accommodations depend on each individual’s needs and preferences. When a student uses a sign language interpreter, it is important to speak directly to the individual, not the interpreter. The speaker should use a normal rate of speech and tone of voice. Some students who use an amplification device such as a hearing aid also use an FM system. This requires the speaker to use a small microphone that transmits sound directly to the student, who wears a receiver attached to a hearing aid. All speakers in the discussion should use the microphone when speaking. For a student who lip reads it is important that he be seated so that each speaker’s face is clearly visible and well lit. A round table or circular arrangement may be a good way to organize seating for the discussion. Talk with the student at the beginning of the course to discuss his needs and determine the
