A learning difficulty that means the learner has impairments with both sight and hearing
Students typically have difficulties with:
Hearing:
Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in noisy places
Asking people to repeat themselves
Listening to music or watching TV with the volume higher than other people need
Difficulty hearing on the phone
Finding it hard to keep up with a conversation
Sight:
Finding, organising, transcribing and reading materials (reading speed may be slower than their peers, even when transcribed)
Participating in practical activities
Note taking, in particular from boards or presentations
Teaching Strategies
Reduce background noise to improve acoustic environment
Preferential seating and position of teacher
Uncluttered and well organised learning environment
Good lighting
Access to lip reading/ subtitles on audio visual material
Slow down speech rate a little, but keep natural fluency.
Choice making opportunities
Clearly organised learning environment
Specialist vocabulary available at the beginning of each topic
Spelling support
Allow thinking time
Summarise key points at start and end of lesson
Model and teach careful listening along with other signals when careful listening is required
Repeat contributions from other pupils- their voices may be softer and speech more unclear
Divide listening time into short chunks
Use visual symbols to support understanding
Use cue cards to help sequence a task e.g. 1. Clear your desk. 2 collect equipment you will need 3. Put date on page etc. (use visual to aid understanding)
Consider photocopying or using sticker with WALT or LO instead of pupil writing it
Teach pupil how to use a planner, diary, check lists to organise themselves as appropriate
Provide opportunities to record work in a variety of ways
High colour contrast materials, including on whiteboard
Good quality print and photocopying
Electronic copies of work
Summarise key points at start and end of lesson
Letter formation and fine motor skills activities
Ensure a range of different pencil/pen grips are available
Examples of Resources and Classroom-Based Provision
Sloping desk / reading stands
Use of a dictaphone
Light source behind pupil
Handouts of large pieces of writing
Good quality print and photocopying
High colour contrast materials, including on whiteboard
Subtitles for video clips
Access to lip reading/ subtitles on audio visual material
Further Reading
Useful websites
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References:
Pearson 5 strategies for supporting SEN children in your classroom: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15znzFEcH1S41PK1TW9ewJ_DNpb8m-Xr6QCIP6_KR6EE/edit?usp=sharing
St Martin's Areas of need QFT checklist: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16SamvYGDzL7eCB7229gGY0IjCqlrKXxiXtcu1bVlv-M/edit?usp=sharing
St Martin's QFT - Universal Provision: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lx4pRBu6vq1-eUj19J0fof4u40X9mHOFD30fX3S00og/edit?usp=sharing
OnlineTrainingLtd: Multi-Sensory Impairment Course Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5RygUep9_E
Welsh Government: Support for children and young people with multi-sensory impairment in educational settings: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-12/191209-support-for-children-and-young-people-with-multi-sensory-impairment-in-educational-settings.pdf
Early Support: Information about multi-sensory impairment: https://gateshead-localoffer.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/LINT-earlysupportmulti-sensoryimpairments.pdf