Obstacles To Learning....

Imagine only being able to understand what someone is saying by just reading their lips. Now what happens if they turn around? These are one of many obstacles that students who are hard of hearing face in a typical classroom. Students who are hard of hearing don't typically use sign language. They normally use hearing aids and the skill of lip-reading. Unfortunately, many hard of hearing students have difficulty following lectures and having one on one conversations. This is especially the case if the acoustics of the room are poor which causes the hearing aid not to work or the teacher speaks in a tone the student can't understand.

So teachers the next time you turn your back to the class or are moving all around the classroom think about that student who is trying their best to fit in and be like all the other students. They may not speak up and say, " Hey I can't hear the video" or they don't have anything to say during a class discussion because they can't hear what is being said.

Here are a few strategies that teachers can practice if they have a student with an assistive learning device:
1. Find out as much as you can about that particular device. You should actually become an expert!
2. Learn how to position the microphone. It may sound simple but it really isn't.
3. Discuss with the parents and the multidisciplinary team ahead of time how it will be used.
4. If possible talk to an audiologist. They can offer you some insight on the entire process.
5. Try the device out ahead of time and check in periodically to make sure it works.
6. Establish routines and procedures for students to speak in class. Discuss how the listening device will help the particular student in class.