Eleasha's Inservice
DEAF EDUCATION
The Hearing-Impaired Student in the Classroom
Eleasha may have difficulty attending for long periods of time due to listening fatigue
She often appears to look attentive and appear to understand when she does not
She will miss part or most of the message when trying to take notes and listen to the teacher
She may have difficulty following classroom discussions with multiple speakers
She may have difficulty understanding announcements on the loudspeaker
Ask Eleasha if a copy of notes would be helpful on long lecture over important material
“Five Things I Wish Everyone Knew About Hearing Loss”
From, Living With Hearing Loss, A Hearing Loss Blog
1. Hearing loss is exhausting.
You are constantly trying to make sense of the incomplete sounds you are hearing and turn them into a word or phrase that makes sense in the conversation. It’s like playing a continuous game of Wheel of Fortune filling in gaps to solve puzzles.
2. I am not stupid or rude.
I might answer questions inappropriately or miss the point of a conversation, but I am not stupid. I just misheard what you said. And if I don’t respond to you it is not because I am ignoring you. I just didn’t hear it.
3. Cochlear implants don’t work like glasses.
Cochlear implants process sound very differently from how normal hearing sounds. It takes a lot of practice to make sense of this different way of hearing and success varies among users.
4. I do not need you to speak for me.
If someone asks me a question and I don’t hear it, please repeat it so I can answer for myself. Doing otherwise can be insulting or demeaning.
5. A few simple tricks can help a lot.
Face me when you speak to me and keep your lips visible. Don’t try to talk to me from another room and be sure to get my attention first before speaking. I want to hear you and am trying my best.
Role of the Itinerant Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
Provide in-service and consultation services for teachers concerning their student’s hearing loss
Assist with auditory equipment/needs
Attend ALL ARD meetings
Provide direct instruction to (some) students in areas of language, listening, self-advocacy and social skills
Assess student progress on IEP goals
Ensure that IEP accommodations related to hearing loss are understood and carried out
Aid teachers in creating an environment that promotes success for their hearing-impaired student and gives that student the communication access they deserve
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Ask open-ended questions to check for understanding, not “Did you hear that?”
Repeat what other students ask/say so the hearing-impaired student can participate in class discussions
Gain student’s attention before speaking and face student when speaking
Write important information on the board
Preteach new vocabulary/concepts
Encourage the student to ask for clarification when they don’t understand
Limit background noise as much as possible
Expect the same kind of behavior, responsibility, and dependability from the hearing-impaired student as you would expect from the rest of the class.
Eleasha's Accommodations
All Subjects:
***Eleasha no longer needs to use hearing devices (hearing aids or FM unit). This list would be helpful throughout her school day.
- reduce background noise
- if showing a video, provide Eleasha with a copy of notes ahead of time OR long lecture
- small group administration
- preferential seating
- Copy of teacher notes
Contact ME:
Tonya Garrett
Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
Plano Regional Day School Program for the Deaf
Office: 469-752-5592
Cell: 214-701-0841
Email: tonya.garrett@pisd.edu
Website: https://sites.google.com/pisd.edu/planordspdparent/home
Phone: 214-701-0841