How do I deal with deaf or hard of hearing students who come with an interpreter?
Offer students preferential seating; students will need a space for the interpreter to sit facing them. When speaking to students, direct all comments to themnot the interpreter. Wait a second or two after using a visual aid before speaking about it. This gives deaf students time to look at the visual and then back to the interpreter. Glance at the interpreter occasionally for signs of fatigue; you may need to slow down. When classmates ask questions, indicate who is speaking so deaf students can follow the conversation. • A student with a disability is failing my class. What should I do? Students with disabilities have the same right to fail classes as any other student. Do what you would normally do with students without disabilities. The Center for Disability Services staff is happy to send a representative to student conferences whenever needed. Do not hesitate to call on us for this type of support.
