What are typical accommodations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing?

Although each situation is different and the student is the best source of information regarding useful accommodations, the following accommodations are typical for a student who is deaf or hard of hearing:

• Interpreter, real-time captioning
• FM system
• Note taker
• Open- or closed-captioned films, use of visual aids
• Written assignments, lab instructions, demonstration summaries
• Visual warning system for lab emergencies
• Hand written notes for individual communication
• Having group members raise hands to be recognized, so that the person who is deaf knows who is speaking
• Use of electronic mail for class and private discussions

Additional communication hints include facing students when speaking so that they can read your lips and speaking clearly and at a normal volume; speak more loudly only if requested.

For more information about accommodating students with disabilities, consult Working Together: Faculty and Students with Disabilities.