Quick Guide – Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students

Working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students

When a Deaf or Hard of Hearing student registers with SAS, a SAS staff member attempts to contact the appropriate faculty before classes are scheduled to begin. More detailed information will be provided at that time.

Faculty are responsible for ensuring that all videos are captioned.

Faculty should also expect the student to provide an Authorized Accommodation Letter indicating additional
accommodations.

During class, faculty should ensure a clear line of sight between the instructor, visual materials, and the interpreter (if present).

Faculty should avoid speaking while facing away from the Deaf or Hard of Hearing student.

Working with a Sign Language Interpreter

The role of the interpreter is to facilitate communication. It is important not to ask the interpreter for their opinion or to perform any other tasks other than interpreting.

The interpreter may request clarification when any language is unclear.

The interpretation process creates a lag in communication. During class discussions or when asking questions of the class, the instructor should allow additional time in order for the information to be interpreted to the student.

Writing back and forth with pen and paper is appropriate when an interpreter is unavailable.

Working with a Student Using an Amplification Device

A student who is Hard of Hearing may use an amplification device in order to access classroom lecture information. Faculty will be asked to wear a microphone and transmitter and the student will wear headphones and a receiver.

This device only amplifies the instructor’s voice; therefore, it may be necessary to repeat questions or comments from other participants in the class.

The student will be familiar with and responsible for the amplification device.

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