Low TechFlash Light:
~ This very simplistic device is great for transitioning for students with hearing difficulties. When the teacher transitions the class from room to room or even subject to subject, the flashlight flashing can let the student know that they are transitioning. Cell Phones:
~ Many students, even very young ones, have cell phones nowadays. These can be very easy devices for communication with others. By texting, they can write out what they want to say and send it from basically anywhere. Also, many cell phones now have Facetime where they can communicate my video chatting. This is great for students with hearing impairments because it allows them to sign freely. Paper and Pencil:
~ Although this is a fairly obvious tool, and not as effective as some of the other, it is very cost efficient. Being able to simply write down what it is you want to express can sometimes be the best way for students with hearing impairments to communicate with those in the hearing world |
Mid TechCaptioning:
~ Captioning for computers and televisions can br accessed from almost any device. This is a great tool for students with hearing impairments because it allows the student to still participate with the movie or webpage. It may take a small fee to access this through all the devices. Interpreter:
~ This may not be the best option, but having an interpreter in the classroom can be beneficial for those students with hearing impairments. The interpreter can stand close to the teacher and sign what the instructor is saying. The interpreter's salary would vary on their qualifications, but somewhere around $15-$25 per hour. Vibrating Watches:
~ These watches are a great way for students with hearing impairments to know when transitions are taking place. It is a more personalized system as opposed to the flashlight. The alarms can be set to go off to alert the wearer of events or activities. Because it vibrates instead of sounds, the student will be able to feel it. These watches are $50-$100. |
High TechFM System:
~ This device is great for those students with hearing aids. The teacher uses a microphone that is hooked up to a wireless system. THe sound goes directly from the teacher's microphone into the student's hearing aid. TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf:
~ This device is a keyboard that has approximately 20-30 keys and a display screen. The student who simply text what they want to say and it would be displayed in the screen. The message then gets sent to either the teacher or another person with the corresponding device. These devices are also $300-$600 and can onl be used through landlines. Ipad:
~ As mentioned before, the Ipad is a great resource because it allows the student to access multiple apps and programs that can assist in communication. ELMO Projector:
~ This device is a great tool for students with hearing impairments when there is whole class reading. While the teacher is reading a story, the student can follow through this device. The projector can display the book on a screen for the entire class to read. This device is $400-$1000. |
Hearing Impaired
-- slight, mild, moderate, severe, or profound loss of hearing the intensities or frequencies most strongly associated with speech.