Hearing Impairment Supports

Regardless of the nature or severity of the impairment, there are several ways that adults can support children with hearing impairments.

• Remember to always look at and talk to the child, rather than the interpreter, if one is present.
• Supply storybooks that provide hand signs along with written words whenever possible.
• Learn and use as much sign language as possible in your classroom throughout the day with all your students. This gives students the opportunity to learn sign language and be better able to communicate with other students who may use it regularly.
• Provide oral directions/instructions in writing whenever possible.
• Provide visual models and step-by-step demonstrations of what you want students to do.
• Speak to students with minimal hearing loss by using solid eye contact, a loud, clear voice, and minimized background noise (like fans, music, outside noise, etc.).