Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students.
The following information should be referred to when working with Deaf and Hearing Impaired students within RGU. Attached also is a more comprehensive document published by the Royal National Institute for the Deaf, both documents should be considered together.
General RGU Issues
In the Lecture theatres, the microphone system should be used at all times, and if not working technical assistance should be sought. The Lecture Theatres are fitted with an induction loop system which means that for students who wear a hearing aid they have the option of using this system, which allows them to hear the speaker without the disturbance of any background noise.
For rooms without microphone system in place then it is important to consider the RNID Communication checklist on P.5 of attached leaflet.
Students with a hearing impairment should be encouraged to report back to their tutors/lecturer if they are experiencing difficulties accessing this information. Student should also be encouraged to make contact with the RGU Disability Service.
Any power points/handouts etc should be made available before the lecture/seminar when possible.
Within tutorials it may be worthwhile discussing how the student with Hearing Impairment copes in other similar situations. Often people living with this type of disability are unaware of the various technical support and practical strategies which can offer some assistance, some people living with a hearing impairment struggle on in an effort to 'appear to cope'. In these situations the student can seek advice from the disability office.
When considering placements Social Work students should be encouraged to discuss and identify their needs with their tutor prior to completion of placement application forms. For matching processes particular support needs may need to be considered and arranged. Tutors should then encourage, facilitate and ensure discussion of students needs form part of the pre placement agenda. Any restrictions to the students role in terms of Health and Safety should also be noted on the Health and Safety Risk Assessment form.
The RNID have a series of leaflets available aimed at supporting students within Further and Higher Education at http://www.RNID.org.uk
RNID factsheet Deaf and Hard of Hearing in HE
Last Updated: Sheila Slesser January 2011
