One To One Communication With Deaf/Hard Of Hearing Students

Many hearing students benefit when speakers face them; speak clearly without rushing and use gestures and other visual aids to enhance the message. For Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HOH) students, these things are essential. The important thing is to be a visual communicator.

When speaking,

• Converse in a quiet place with few distractions, if possible

• Maintain eye contact with the student. If you have to turn away, stop speaking until eye contact is reestablished.

• Speak clearly, but do not speak rapidly or exaggerate mouth movements. Do not demonstrate and talk at the same time.

• If the student does not understand, repeat your message. If the student still does not understand, rephrase your message.

• Writing notes or keyboarding back and forth are acceptable ways of communicating.

• Speak directly to the student not the interpreter or captioner, if one is present.

• Use body language, facial expressions, and gestures.

• Be sure nothing is obstructing the student’s view of, or creating a shadow on, your face (e.g., standing in front of a sunny window or in the dark when using a projection screen). Also be sure nothing is changing the shape of your mouth (e.g., chewing gum when speaking).

To contact a Deaf/Hard of Hearing student, use:

• e-mail
• instant messaging
• cell phone text messaging
• Relay North Dakota – call 711 or 1-800-366-6888

Additional Resources

• http://www.pepnet.org, offers a course entitled “Orientation to Serving College Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.” At the home page, choose “On Line Training.” The course takes approximately one hour to do and includes a Certificate of Completion. Demonstrate and talk at the same time.

• http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/dss/index.htm, has information about deafness and accommodations and Deaf/HOH students.