Celebrating Inclusion
"When Everyone is Included, Everyone Wins" - Jesse Jackson
International Deaf Awareness Week
Classroom Ideas
For teachers, Deaf Awareness Week is an excellent time to bring awareness into the classroom. Ideas such as teaching about the ear and hearing, famous deaf/hard of hearing people, and even working on fingerspelling and basic signs with the class will all foster awareness (verywellhealth.com). For older children, discuss barriers to communication and see how they are able to creatively solve such problems, or watch a video with closed caption and/or sign language interpretation. Using visuals is critically important and benefits ALL students!
Sign Language Basics for Beginners
Wonderstruck - Novel and Major Motion Picture
A Children's Book with a message about hearing impairments
Tips for Communicating With People Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Get the person's attention before trying to communicate.
- Try to reduce the amount of background noise when possible.
- Make sure lighting is good; bright enough to see well but not creating shadows on the speaker's face or shining directly in the other person's eyes.
- If speaking, do so clearly and at a normal volume. Do not exaggerate mouth movements or facial expressions.
- Do not cover your mouth with your hands.
- Check for understanding. If there is a breakdown in communication, figure out another way to say, spell, or write down the main ideas.
- Use visuals as much as possible
- Be patient. Imagine how stressful, frustrating and confusing it might be for a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with others effectively.
Southwest Regional Collaborative Service Delivery
Learn about supports and services for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing
Email: pauline@SWRCSD.ca
Website: https://swrcsd.ca/accessing-services/dhh/
Location: 3305- 18 Avenue North, Lethbridge
Phone: 587-486-0318
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Swrcsd-Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing-Group-2007140232895317/about/?ref=page_internal
Twitter: @SWRCSD
Brought to you by Horizon School Division
Taber Parent Inclusion Committee
Horizon Partner