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Disability Services Faculty & Staff Disability and Accommodations
| General Accomodations | Disability Accomodations |
|---|---|
DEAFNESS / HARD OF HEARING
Hearing loss may vary in degree and type of auditory disorder; deafness causes inability to hear and/or difficulty communicating; may cause difficulty with speech, reading and writing skills.
Limitations may include:
- understanding instructions
- discriminating sounds, i.e. speech, frequency
- verbal communication/interaction
- speech clarity
- context meaning of sounds
- balance/motor coordination
- problems in conceptualization
- tendency toward taking things in concrete ways
Accommodations may include:
- note taking assistance
- seating in the front/near speaker for lip reading
- FM System
- speaker facing class during lecture
- written supplement to oral instructions, assignments, and directions
- repeated questions/comments from other students
- extended test time and access to word processor
- use of interpreter for lecture and exam instructions
- use of email, fax or word processor for discussions with instructor
- use of captioning/interpreting for video/film presentations
Communication Tips:
- Look directly at the person and speak slowly, especially if the person wishes to lip-read.
- If there is a sign language interpreter present, speak to the individual, not the interpreter.
- Be flexible. If the person doesn’t understand something, reword it instead of simply repeating it.
- Do not shout. It may not be necessary or appropriate. Ask the person how loud you need to speak to be heard.
- Don’t use sign language unless you are qualified to do so. You can always use a pad and pencil to communicate if it becomes necessary.
- Ask short questions that require only short answers if possible.
- To get a person’s attention, tap the person on the shoulder or wave your hand.
- Directly face a person who is lip-reading. You may also want to speak a little bit slower. Be aware that a mustache may hinder lip-readers. Don’t gesture too much around your face when speaking to a lip-reader. Try not to have a bright light behind you because it leaves your face in a shadow.
- Position a signing interpreter so that he or she is near you and visible.
- Don’t refer to a deaf person as “deaf and dumb.” Some people who are deaf speak, others are “nonverbal.