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 Disability Access Services will list the accommodations that are appropriate for the student.  Among these are:

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 a hearing loss in your class. These include:

  • Ensuring that lighting is adequate for the student to be able to see the interpreters.
  • Avoiding standing with your back to light sources (such as windows). Doing so can create shadows on the face and prevents the student from speech-reading.
  • Avoiding speaking while facing away from the class; avoiding covering the mouth and face with papers, books, hands, etc.
  • 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.
  • Providing Disability Access Services information about media that you plan to use. A captioned copy will be provided for use 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 or contact [email protected], preferably 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 the Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Services: [email protected] or 541-737-3670

Page Updated 11/2014