Academic Accommodations and Communication Considerations for Students with Hearing Impairments

Interpreters:

In general, the interpreter and the deaf student will sit near the front of the class. The interpreter faces the student and the student faces the instructor. Remember, you and the class are communicating with the hearing impaired student, not with the interpreter. When the interpreter verbalizes for the student, what you hear are the ideas and feelings of the student. Speak directly with the student and treat him/her as an equal member of the class. The interpreter is a conduit for processing communication between the deaf student and the class. There is no reason for a deaf student not to participate in class discussion and you should encourage such participation. Remember that heated discussion with many people speaking at once is impossible to accurately translate and is also confusing for students who read lips. Interpreters are not to become involved in classroom discussions, express feelings, opinions or judgments. They are not responsible for the students learning or behavior. There is some lag time in interpreting. Remember that the interpreter must translate your comments and questions into American Sign Language for the student and then translate the student's answers into English.