1. KEYS to Working with Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Dee Johnston, M.S., CI, CT, NAD V, QMHI, ADBIT ASLTA/Provisional, SCPI/Superior Plus
Alabama State Interpreter License #L00003
Lead Interpreter
AL Institute for the Deaf and Blind

2. American Sign Language (ASL)
Is a true language with no limits.
Has a completely different linguistic structure from English.
Is the natural language of the Deaf.
English is their second language.
Is the 3rd most used language in the U.S.

3. Deaf Culture Have their own distinct culture.
Have different social norms, values, beliefs, and cognitive functioning.
Are an oppressed minority.
Are socially and linguistically isolated.
Sharing information and giving details is VITAL.

4. Teaching Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students
Teach English as a second language.
Use mostly visual aids and hands-on demonstrations.
Don’t lecture – explain one idea and DRILL.
Emphasize vocabulary and DRILL.
Reading: Show them how to answer questions from a story/paragraph.
Math: Their biggest problem is usually carrying over and borrowing.

5. Signers vs Interpreters
Interpreters are professionals.
Should not be teachers, tutors, aides, etc.
Signers as linguistic models for children?
Signers don’t follow the Codes of Ethics.

6. Do’s and Don’ts Do default to Deaf.
Do use eye contact, facial expressions, and body language.
Do take turns.
Do walk right through signed conversations.
Don’t say Deaf Mute, Deaf and Dumb, or Hearing Impaired.
Don’t talk weird (e.g. Big Mouth Bass, mumble).
Don’t let everyone talk at once.
Don’t be guilty of doing the“Excuse Me Dance”.

7. REMEMBER…
Just because someone doesn’t use spoken or written English like you, doesn’t mean s/he is stupid.
Just because someone “signs”, doesn’t mean s/he is a professional interpreter.
If in doubt as to how to refer to or interact with a D/HH person, ask his/her preference.
Deaf people are individuals, and kids are kids!

8. Resources
Disability Support Services at JSU – dss.jsu.edu or 256/
AIDB Regional Centers – or 256/
Alabama School for the Deaf – or
256/
Vocational Rehabilitation – or 800/
Janice Capilouto Center for the Deaf – community.al.com/cc/JCCDES or 334/

9. Some School Signs Good Morning! School Play Teach/Teacher Work
Start
Finish
School
Teach/Teacher
Learn/Student
Paper
Pencil
*Natural Signs

10. Any Questions?