Academic tips for students who are deaf or hard of hearing

• Repeat or rephrase questions/comments from the class before responding
• Face the class and speak naturally and at a moderate pace
• Avoid the temptation to pick up the pace when time is short
• Do not speak while writing on the board
• Lecture from the front of the room, not pacing around
• Point out who is speaking in group discussions
• Do not drink or chew gum while lecturing

• Do not stand or sit in front of a window where shadows will impede lip reading
• Encourage communication from a student with a hearing loss
• Provide handouts on PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes, and assignments
• Write announcements and assignments on the board
• Use captioned films/videos/DVD’s
• Seek instruction on the use of assistive listening devices (see Tips below)
• Seek instruction on working with interpreters in class (see Tips below) 

Tips on working with interpreters

• An interpreter’s role is to facilitate communication
• Interpreters are not aides or participants in class
• Keep lines of sight free for visual access to information
• Interpreters need to stand or sit in direct line with you, the student, and any visuals
• Share any handouts, text books, technical vocabulary, syllabus, agenda, etc. which will enhance the quality of the interpreted message
• Speak naturally and at a reasonable, modest pace

More tips on working with interpreters

• The interpreter must listen and understand a complete thought before signing it
• Interpreters are usually one or two sentences behind
• Address any communication to the student, not the interpreter
• Maintain eye contact with the student
• For group work, semi-circles or circles work best
• Students cannot read or take notes while watching the interpreter 

Tips on using FM Systems

• Request training from DRS or the student
• Position the microphone properly
• Perform a listening check
• Face the student when talking
• Speak slowly and clearly

CGCC referral sources: