Deafness

Children with a diagnosis of deafness have a severe hearing impairment. They aren’t able to process language through hearing.

Characterisitcs:

Difficulty following verbal directions
Difficulty with oral expression
Some difficulties with social/emotional or interpersonal skills
Will often have a degree of language delay
Often follows and rarely leads
Will usually exhibit some form of articulation difficulty
Can become easily frustrated if their needs are not met — which may lead to some behavioral difficulties
Sometimes the use of hearing aids leads to embarrassment and fear of rejection from peers

Accommodations/Modifications:

Amplification Options:

Assistive Devices:

Communication Accommodations:

Specialized seating arrangements
Obtain student’s attention prior to speaking
Reduce auditory distractions (background noise)
Reduce visual distractions
Enhance speech reading conditions (avoid hands in front of face, mustaches well-trimmed, no gum chewing)
Present information in simple structured, sequential manner
Clearly enunciate speech
Allow extra time for processing information
Repeat or rephrase information when necessary
Frequently check for understanding

Physical Environment Accommodations:

Instructional Accommodations:

Noise reduction (carpet & other sound absorption materials)
Use of visual supplements (projected materials, whiteboard, charts, vocabulary lists, lecture outlines)
Captioning or scripts for announcements, television, videos, or movies
Speech-to-text translation captioning (i.e., computer on desk)
Educational interpreter (ASL, signed English, cued speech, oral)
Buddy system for notes, extra explanations/directions
Check for understanding of information
Down time / break from listening
Extra time to complete assignments
Step-by-step directions
Note taker

Curricular Modifications:

Modify reading assignments (shorten length, adapt or eliminate phonics assignments)
Modify written assignments (shorten length, adjust evaluation criteria)
Pre-tutor vocabulary
Provide supplemental materials to reinforce concepts
Provide extra practice
Alternative curriculum
Evaluation Modifications:
Reduce quantity of tests or test items
Use alternative tests
Provide reading assistance with tests
Allow extra time

Other Considerations:

Supplemental instruction (speech, language, pragmatic skills, auditory, speech reading
skills)
Counseling
Sign language instruction
Transition / Vocational services
Family support
Deaf/Hard of Hearing role models
Recreational/Social opportunities
Financial assistance
Monitor progress periodically by a specialist in Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Resources:

http://www.projectidealonline.org/v/hearing-impairments/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/509643-characteristics-of-hearing-impairment-and-deafness-in-children/