How Can The Teacher Help?

In my last post I briefly discussed the obstacles that students who are hard of hearing could face in a typical classroom.  While there is assistive technology to help the student, there are things that can be done by the teacher to help the student as well.

• If a student is using an assistive device, it's important for the teacher to become knowledgable about the device; if necessary, they can request training.
• Having an open discussion about how the student is going to be using the device.
• If there is a microphone/speakers, the teacher needs to place it just right so as to maximize the benefit for the student.
• Let the entire class knowhow the device is going to be used in the classroom.  Remind students to speak one at a time.  Students may need to repeat things from time to time.
• Try to face the student, in case he or she relies on visual cues to aid understanding.
• Perform a check on the device regularly, to make sure it is still doing it's intended job.

Some of these practices can be beneficial no matter what the disability is, such as informing the class of the accommodations (if appropriate), the teacher becoming familiar with the accommodations (so they can be most beneficial), and checking in on the accommodations to make sure they are still effective.

References: Dell, A. G., Newton, D. A. and Petroff, J. G. (2012).  Assistive Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing the School Experiences of Students with Disabilities (2nd edition).  Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.