ITEC 7530 Module 6

ITEC 7530 Module 6

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  Deafness in theClassroom: Assistive TechnologyRobyn Greenstein
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  The Deaf Child-Types of CommunicationSimultaneous CommunicationAlso known as “Total Communication”, the instructor signs while speakingAmerican Sign LanguageIf there is an interpreter available and the student does not have an assistive listening device.Oral/AuralPrimarily spoken, assistive technology may be of great benefit. This is the primary mode of communication for children in inclusion forums.
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  Environmental InfluencesFor manystudents, the least restrictive environment (LRE) is in the mainstreamed classroom.To enhance the experience of being in the student’s LRE, one must consider assistive technology devices available for use.For ease of acceptance in the classroom for inclusion, there are multiple types of amplification and assistive technology devices available for children with hearing loss.
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  Individual Education Programs(IEP) versus a 504 PlanIEPsAn IEP serves for students with disabilities that restrict their ideal learning environment a great deal. The benchmarks and support services offered are greatly beneficial to the student504 PlansA child does not have to qualify for a specific special need to have a 504 Plan. Deaf students can have 504 Plans if they are performing equal to or above the level of their hearing peers.
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  For Students WithHearing Aids: T-Coil TechnologyT-Link Silhouette HeadsetThis permits a student with hearing aids to be able to listen to something on a computer or personal audio device without feedback between the headset and the hearing aids. It is as simple as hooking the transmitter behind the ear, between the head and the hearing aid, and ensuring the hearing aid switched is turned to T-coil mode (more information about T-coils here). Disadvantage- Not all hearing aids have T-coil technology.
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  For Students WithHearing Aids: “Boots”What is a Boot?A “boot” or “shoe” is a Direct Audio Input device. It connects directly to the hearing aid wearer’s behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid.How does it work?Similar to an FM system, the instructor has to wear a microphone. Audio is transmitted via FM signals to the “boot”, enabling the student to hear everything the instructor is saying without the background noise of a classroom.
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  For Students WithoutHearing AidsA personal amplification system, such as the Listen Personal FM System may be of benefit.Pros:Portability
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  The transmitter (microphone)and receiver can be brought among multiple classrooms
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  Ease of Use
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  The student turnson the receiver, the teacher turns on the transmitter and clips it to their clothing
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  Upkeep
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  Rechargeable batteries- plugin the unit nightly to recharge!
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  Benefits for otherstudents
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  There has beensome evidence to indicate personal amplification systems benefit children with learning disabilities. (Source)Cons:Upkeep
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  The student andteacher need to be mindful of the power still in the system- it needs to be recharged nightly
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  Easily observable byothers
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  If a studentis afraid of bullying due to FM system use, the student may be reluctant to use it. Alternatively, a student can use a non-invasive system such as a Pocketalket Ultra.If Assistive Technology is UnavailableDON’T PANICPanic will lead one to speak faster, which will not help the student comprehend the material being taught.Speak clearly, drop the depth of your voice and enunciate.The volume of your voice has no effect on the child’s ability to hear; how deep your voice is will. Enunciation will also help a student who can lipreadFace the student’s direction when speakingYour voice will be angled toward the student, making it easier for them to hear.Offer additional support to the studentIf the student cannot lipread, then additional support or material may be necessary to keep the child with a hearing loss up to speed.When in doubt, ask the special education teacher in the school for assistance.
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  Other ResourcesHarris Communications(T-Link Dual Sillhouette Headset) http://www.harriscomm.com/hc-tlink-d.htmlInformation about t-Coil technology http://www.hohadvocates.org/index.php?contenttype=Feature&target=home&subtarget=feature&selected=25Personal Amplification http://www.harriscomm.com/lt-pvpkit.htmlPocketalker Ultrahttp://www.tecear.com/Pocketalker_Ultra.htm