Tips for Teaching the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Student

Serving the second largest deaf and hard-of-hearing student population in CUNY, the Office of AccessABILITY offers a variety of support services to accommodate students while participating in a mainstream environment. We also aim to assist faculty and staff so that they can offer an accessible environment and make the classroom experience comfortable and rewarding for everyone involved.

• Deaf/HH students may require a variety of accommodations to allow them access to commu-nication. These accommodations include: sign language interpreting; note taking, captioning; FM-System; tutoring; and testing accommodations.
• It is not appropriate to ask a student to read your lips. Even the most proficient lip-reader will understand only 30-40% of what is said.
• Reserve a front-row seat for the student. If interpreters are used, the student should be seated in such a way to see you, the interpreters and any multi-media materials. The student and interpreters will advise on accessible placement on the first day of class.
• Keep your face within view whenever you directly address the student and speak in a natural tone of voice. If an interpreter is present, speak directly to the student and not to the interpreter. The student may not face you when you speak, but instead will look only at the interpreter. This is a normal dynamic and should not be misconstrued as rudeness.
• Repeat questions and remarks by other students, if possible. If the interpreter cannot hear a question or comment, it is normal for him/her to ask you to repeat it.
• Note takers are provided for Deaf/HH students so that they can focus on the interpreter. Usually, the note taker is a Hunter student hired and placed by the Office of AccessABILITY.

Sign-Language Interpreters

The role of the sign-language interpreter is to facilitate communication. Conversations be-tween you and a Deaf/HH student are the same as with a student who is not Deaf; speak to the student directly, and the interpreter will take care of the rest. If you need to meet with your student, you should arrange to have an interpreter. Availability is sometimes limited but the Office will try to accommodate your schedule.

Blackboard Access

If you use Blackboard, the staff interpreters may request to be added to your roster. This will enable them to familiarize themselves with field-specific content and reduce the likelihood of translation errors. Per diem interpreters do not have access to Hunter’s network at this time.

Alternatives to Interpreters

Captioning: A student may opt for using C-print captioning. A captionist uses a laptop to transcribe all proceedings in the class, which are then displayed on the student’s laptop.
FM System: If the student uses sound amplification, they may request that you use an FM system to allow them to hear you whether you are standing directly in front of them, walking around the room, or have your back to the class while writing on the board.

Testing Accommodations

Deaf/HH students have a right to testing accommodations, which include testing in a controlled environment and additional time allotted for a quiz or exam. The student will present a Testing Accommodations form for you to fill out and sign.

For all questions and concerns regarding Interpreting Services, please consult our Office during the office hours at 212-650-3231.

Technical Vocabulary

Every subject has field-specific vocabulary. Providing the Deaf/HH student and interpreters with a vocabulary list is extremely helpful when developing field-specific equivalency.

Oral Presentations

Allow the Deaf/HH student to decide if s/he wants to speak or sign with English interpretation.

VCR, DVD and TV

If video/DVD presentations are part of the curriculum, it is advisable to make arrangements to use captioned material. Alert the interpreter in advance if captioned material is not available so that s/he can provide appropriate access for the Deaf/HH student.

Course Salvaging

Please let us know if a student is having serious difficulty and needs to catch up with the course work.