Deafness

Definitions

My Own Words:

Any level of hearing limitations (including deafness) that affects one's ability to process the language they are hearing, even with hearind aids or cochlear implants. It also negatively affects one's academic performance in school.

NYSED, Part 200 Regulations:

"A hearing impairment that is so severe that the student is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, that adversely affects a student's educational performance."

Notes

The Inclusive Classroom:

• General Information:

  • 1.2% of students under IDEA

  • Deaf can not hear, even with hearing aids

  • Hearing loss can be due to damage conductively (outer or middle ear), sensorineuraly (inner-ear), or a mixture of both

  • Deaf people do not view it as a disability, but rather a cultural group composed of individuals who are deaf

• Adaptations for Studente with Hearing Impairments:

  • Forms of Communication:

    • Total communication

      • Use speech communcation and sign language

    • Oral approach

      • Only soeech communication

    • Sign language

      • Only use sign language (ASL, finger spelling)

  • Adapt the Physical Environment:

    • Seat students close to the front

    • Allow students to move to see the speaker

    • Avoid loud or irritating noises

  • Adapt Instructional Materials:

    • Use technology that is available and helps the students

    • Use visuals as much as possible, especially with new vocabulary

  • Adapt Instruction:

    • Connect new language ans knowledge to real worls experiences and context relevant to students

    • Reiterate major points

    • Repeat questions and answers

    • Use "listen, look, listen"

      • Face the speaker, focus on another aspect of the lesson, focus on speaker again

    • Plan for interpreters

      • Provide a space for them to sit without being in the way of other students

      • Slow your speaking to allow interpreters to sign all that is said

    • Work with family members

  • Adapt Assessment Methods:

    • Test in independent room

Special Education in Contemporary Society:

• General Information:

  • Deafness means one's hearing is nonfunctionl

  • Processing of linguistic information through audition is not affected by the use of hearing aids

  • One can be born deaf (congenitally deaf) or lose hearing from infection (adventitiously deaf)

• Characteristics of Deafness:

  • Trouble making friends with hearing children, often face isolation

  • Gap in educational achievements

Experiences

Field Work:

• N/A

Personal:

• N/A

Lingering Questions

• Is the "language" used in a classroom (total, oral, or sign) determined by the parents, teacher, social worker, IEP?

• Are students who are deaf commonly in an ontegrate classroom?

Additional Resources:

• My deaf child and going to nursery: deaf awareness tips