1. Deafness in the Classroom: Assistive Technology Robyn Greenstein

2. The Deaf Child- Types of Communication Simultaneous Communication Also known as “Total Communication”, the instructor signs while speaking American Sign Language If there is an interpreter available and the student does not have an assistive listening device. Oral/Aural Primarily spoken, assistive technology may be of great benefit. This is the primary mode of communication for children in inclusion forums.

3. Environmental Influences For many students, 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.

4. Individual Education Programs (IEP) versus a 504 Plan IEPs An 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 student 504 Plans A 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.

5. For Students With Hearing Aids: T-Coil Technology T-Link Silhouette Headset This 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.

6. For Students With Hearing 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.

8. The transmitter (microphone) and receiver can be brought among multiple classrooms

9. Ease of Use

10. The student turns on the receiver, the teacher turns on the transmitter and clips it to their clothing

11. Upkeep

12. Rechargeable batteries- plug in the unit nightly to recharge!

13. Benefits for other students

15. The student and teacher need to be mindful of the power still in the system- it needs to be recharged nightly

16. Easily observable by others

18. Other Resources Harris Communications (T-Link Dual Sillhouette Headset) http://www.harriscomm.com/hc-tlink-d.html Information about t-Coil technology http://www.hohadvocates.org/index.php?contenttype=Feature&target=home&subtarget=feature&selected=25 Personal Amplification http://www.harriscomm.com/lt-pvpkit.html Pocketalker Ultrahttp://www.tecear.com/Pocketalker_Ultra.htm