Sign of the Times
For Teachers Working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students
One Cost of Being the Lone Deaf or Hard of Hearing Student
Children with hearing differences do not 'overhear' incidental language as well as peers with typical hearing. This makes them vulnerable to language issues including social language issues. Children with hearing differences may have as much as a 4-year delay in pragmatic language learning by the age of 7.
As well as social language issues, D/HH students are more likely to be teased or bullied due to their hearing difference. This usually takes place on the playground, during lunch or in hallways.
Source: https://successforkidswithhearingloss.com/
What can be done?
If the student feels comfortable, sometimes talking to the class about the child's hearing difference and how it impacts their learning and social interaction can be a powerful tool.
Discussing differences as attributes that make us all unique is also one way students can be made aware of the differences that exist in all of us.
Below is a video of Justin Osmond, who lives with a severe to profound hearing difference He shares how his life has been impacted by it. It is about 15 minutes long, but worth watching.
If you cannot access the video:
SAISD Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Email: alice.wellen@saisd.org
Website: www.saisd.org
Location: 309 West Avenue N, San Angelo, TX, USA
Phone: 325-657-4055