• What is the difference between “Deaf”, “deaf”, and “hard of hearing”?

We have a great article called Deaf Pride and Deaf Gain which explains these differences on our What is DHH? page. While we can help define these terms, it is going to be your student who will decide how these terms help define who they are.

• What are Deaf Pride and Deaf Gain?

The short answer is that they are views held by members of the Deaf community. A slightly longer answer can be found in the article called Deaf Pride and Deaf Gain on our What is DHH? page.

• How do I communicate with a student who is deaf or hard of hearing?

There are many different ways to communicate with a student besides spoken word. On our site, you will find a detailed explanation of and introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). Visit our ASL Support page for more information and lessons.

• What if English is not my student's first language?

Due to ASL's gestural nature, it is likely that the lessons and suggestions we have will still be understood by a student who does not speak English. We also have an article on our ASL Support page entitled Bilingual/Bicultural Education that has some more to say on the topic.

• What are my responsibilities as a teacher to a student who is deaf or hard of hearing?

As an educator, your responsibilities are the same to a Deaf or hard of hearing student as they are to any other student. It is up to you to meet the student at their level and make learning accessible and attainable for them by providing strategies and support to help them develop into good citizens.

• What are the rights of my new student?

You can refer to the information found on our Access to Learning page that describes the rights of children and students.

• Where can I find resources for my new student?

You have come to the right place. This website is equipped with easy-to-access information for teachers who have recently introduced a student who is Deaf or hard of hearing. Be sure to also check out SDHHS homepage for further resources.

• What are some introductory activities for my grade?

We found some great introductory activities for you to use immediately and with little or no preparation require. We organized these activities into K-2, Gr. 3-5, Gr. 6-8 or Gr. 9-12 . With a few adaptations though, you could use most of them with any grade.

• What is self-advocacy and why is it important?

We have created a quick worksheet for students to work through either individually or with the help of an adult to help them practice effective ways to advocate for themselves and their learning. You can find Self-Advocacy activities throughout the grade level pages.

• How do I communicate with a student who is deaf or hard of hearing?

There are many different ways to communicate with a student besides spoken word. On our site, you will find a detailed explanation of and introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). Visit our ASL Support page for more information and lessons.

• What do I need to do to help my deaf student in the classroom?

There are many things that you can do to help your new student in the classroom but the first thing is to make sure that the student knows they are welcome. Be honest and straightforward about your knowledge (or lack thereof) of Deaf culture, adaptations, ASL, etc. Refer to our K-2, Gr. 3-5, Gr. 6-8 or Gr. 9-12 activities to get some ideas to welcome your new student and then take a look at our ASL Support page and the slideshow on our Teaching Strategies page to gain some more knowledge.

• What can I do to help my new deaf or hard of hearing student feel more comfortable with the teacher and with their new peers?

Welcoming your new student is extremely important and can greatly affect their comfort level in their new classroom. Take a look at our Student Surveys for some ideas resources to learn about your new student. Then check out our Classroom Environment, Teaching Strategies, and the Learning Strategies page to ensure that your new student receives as warm of a welcome as possible.

• What do various hearing impairments sound like?

You can hear what some different hearing impairments may sound like by checking out this Hearing Loss Simulator.

• What technology is available to help me and my student?

To get some more information on the technology that is available to you, you can look at our Audiology Reports page, the apps & technology article on our Resources page, and the slideshow on our Teaching Strategies page. These different dimensions of support should give you a good foundation for you to move forward and find some technology that works well with your student and your teaching style.

• My student has an FM transmitter. What do they hear?

You can check out this Youtube video to hear a simulation of what a student hears with an FM transmitter.

• Who can I contact for more information or support?

Along with any support services you have available through your school or local community, we at Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (SDHHS) are well-equipped and experienced to answer any of your questions or to help you in any situation. You can get a hold of us through our Contact page.