To Access for all Hearing Impairment information By Cerys Empson

Introduction What is it like What is a hearing impairment DDA Types of hearing devices Strategies to help Moodle Sign language Any questions

What is a hearing impairment? Hearing loss or impairment occurs when there is a problem with one or more parts of the ear A student with hearing loss or hearing impairment may be able to hear some sounds or none at all

Communication Some students with a hearing impairment will British Sign Language with a Sign interrupter Some will depend on lip-reading Others will use standard hearing aids or radio hearing aids

Types of devices Hearing aids have a setting for use with loops and phones and can be linked to a radio aid. Radio hearing aid requires the tutor to wear a transmitter and microphone and the learner wears a receiver.

The Disability Discrimination Act Applies to hearing impairment as it is a physical impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a student’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.

The Disability Discrimination Act What the DDA means to us: We have a duty to make reasonable adjustments The ASC ‘s will help you with these adjustments and strategies as it is part of our role to ensure that this happens Risk assessments in the classroom and workshops

Strategies for teaching Learning styles: Students with hearing impairment are likely to depend a great deal on visual learning. For example they will need to supplement verbal with written information. They may also need to make extra notes but they can struggle with this. Try and encourage the following: Use bullet points as this can speed the process up Indicate if notes need to be taken and perhaps use another student’s notes from the class to photocopy afterwards

Reading/vocabulary Students with impaired hearing will generally take longer to read There may be significant gaps understanding vocabulary, and students may misunderstand words with more than one meaning The use of a spell checker, computer-based dictionary and a thesaurus may be necessary to support written work

In class Ask the student what enables them to learn and what excludes them from learning (Hidden disability form will help) Ensure that they have a clear view of your face Make sure you have attention before you speak

Avoid standing with a window or light behind you Try not to speak while you are writing on the board as the student cannot lip read while the tutor’s back is turned

Stand still when giving instructions Be clear and precise when referring students to a page or chapter in a book Check that understanding has taken place.

Keep background noise down and make sure that only one person talks at a time.

If you need to repeat something, indicate that it is a repetition

Use clear, suitably paced speech using natural rhythm with gestures where appropriate

Differentiation Make handouts available in advance include sign interrupters if a student has one Provide written transcripts of video and audio-tapes Use note-takers and microphones/transmitters (for radio hearing aids) when appropriate

Instructions Establish the topic you are talking about and introduce new vocabulary on the board at the start of the lesson Clearly sequence your instructions Use plain English for instructions and keep sentences short and simple Avoid exaggerated mouth patterns and shouting

Examinations/assessment Students with hearing impairment may be granted special examination provisions. These will be agreed by the examination boards according to the circumstances. Separate room for exam Sign interpreter and a scribe

Moodle Information on hearing impairment can be found on learning support site Then click on the information you need

Sign language British sign language is structured in a different way to the English language, it has it’s own grammar For example In English-'What is your name?' ‘In BSL-Your name what?'

Thank you for listening Any Questions? Websites to visit RNID Royal Association for Deaf People: British Deaf Association: