Except for hearing loss, deafness is just like all other students.The use of technology can greatly help your interactions, increase the speed and ease of your interaction, help them learn, and allow you and the student to interact much easier.There are ways to help the hearing students in your life.
Step 1: You can use caption software to record lectures.
If you can convert your lectures into text that your student can read, that's the best way to help them.When you are giving a lecture, giving instructions, or talking in general to your classroom, you can use a computer program to translate your spoken words into text they can read.This will make sure that your student gets the same information as everyone else.The programs are not perfect.Common mistakes the programs make may require some training.If you have questions about uncommon mistakes or issues they have, they should be able to follow up with you.Dragon Naturally Speaking is one of the common software used for this purpose.
Step 2: You can have a live caption discussion on the computer.
If your school doesn't have caption software that can convert the lectures into text, ask a student in your class to take notes for you.It is possible to set up a computer where what is entered on one computer can be routed to another computer.Your student will be able to read what you are saying in class in real time with the notes transferred between the computers.A professional note taker or stenographer may be available through your school.If you don't know the policies in your school, ask your administration for help.C-Print and Computer Aided Realtime Translation (CART) allow for on or off site stenographers to provide a verbatim account of your lectures to your students.The transcripts are transmitted via computers.When your student is working in small groups make sure this service is available.
Step 3: There are programs that convert speech to sign language.
There are software options that can convert spoken word into sign language.If you use this kind of software, your words are recorded by a computer and converted into text and then output on the computer screen as sign language.In the other direction, your student can reply using sign language.This option requires a camera.iCommunicator and MotionSavvy UNI are used for these services.
Step 4: Write words to sound.
If you want your students to feel like they are participating in the same way as other students, look into software that will convert any text they type into spoken words.You can have your students participate in class discussions without having to read their responses.A computer program can be used to convert the messages that a student writes into words.If you can, have this program installed on a few computers in your classroom.Licensing the software for your student's laptop will allow them to use it in class as well.The computerized voice will sound different to your other students.You don't want your student to be called out for being different by the other students.
Step 5: Text to speech phones can be used.
Similar to programs installed on computers, there are many different apps and cell phone programs that can convert text messages to vocal responses.In situations where a large laptop or computer may get in the way, these can be helpful.The software options will convert their classmates vocal responses to text and send it to them through the service.
Step 6: Try handwriting recognition software.
If your school can't get text to voice technology, handwriting recognition software may be useful.These programs use a pen or board to communicate with each other.With these technologies, your student can write down a response that can be projected onto a screen.They can chime into the conversation without having to write it on a sheet of paper.Digital Pen and Interactive Whiteboards are available.
Step 7: THe deaf can use telecommunication devices.
Text messages can be transferred over phone lines with the help of specialized phones.A message can be written on a keyboard and sent to another phone or an operator.The operator writes back to the originator of the call after reading the messages.These can be used to initiate calls from a hearing person to a deafness.It would be helpful for teachers to be able to connect with a deaf student or their parents outside of school.Conferences, teacher work days, or other school events might be the subject of these calls.
Step 8: You can include more visuals in your lectures.
Instead of relying on vocal descriptions or audio lectures alone, use more visual materials in your lectures.This will make it easier for your student to understand the concepts you are describing because they will have a visual representation of them.You can do this with a computer presentation using programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint or online presentation tools.Your student will know what the visual examples represent if you provide a caption for any image you use.Link their visualization with similar or previously discussed concepts.The visual reminders will help your other students as well.
Step 9: The videos have a caption.
If you are showing a film in class, make sure it has subtitles.Your student may miss out on a key point in your lesson if they miss the contents of the video.There are closed caption on most store bought DVDs.When you watch a video in class, make sure to play these.The Described and Captioned Media Program is an online service that provides 1,000s of videos with caption.If you are able to find your video clip uploaded on YouTube, you can have a closed caption option.If you can't provide a caption, look for a transcript or a fellow student to take the video and give it to your student so they can see it.
Step 10: Use electronic handouts.
Give a print out of your lecture notes or class summary to your students if you know you are going to have a lecture heavy day.Your student can use them in class to make annotations.Being able to see a written version of your lecture will help your student understand the concepts you write down.The notes they receive of your live lectures will be helpful with these.
Step 11: There is information on projectors.
An overhead projector can be used to communicate new information in a lecture that isn't in notes.If your student is having trouble understanding a concept, you can use a projector.It's helpful to communicate time sensitive information that isn't covered in their notes.
Step 12: Talk to your students.
The Office of Disability Services can be reached when you are trying to accommodate a student.They know what policies are in place for your school and how you can get access to them.Ask your student if they prefer technology that works best for them.If you already have ideas about what your student likes, take them to the Office of Disabilities and see if they can help.Give your student what is available and see what they would like to use the most.