“Deafness, Diversity and Delivery: How to Serve Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing” Susie Tiggs, M.Ed. Theresa Johnson, M.Ed.

Session Overview Define the population Cultural issues Communication Independent living needs Access-home and community Technology It’s the law!

Two Views on Deafness Defines deafness in terms of deficit, hearing loss, compared to hearing norms Respects, values, and supports the language and culture of deaf people Medical Difference

Defining Deaf people by what they CAN’T do

Understanding Differences Generally….. “Deaf” with uppercase “D” refers to a cultural construct “deaf” with lowercase “d” refers to the lack of hearing without touching upon cultural status 5

“Deaf”initions HARD OF HEARING Hearing is limited, but may be amplified for ordinary life experiences. DEAF Sound has no meaning for ordinary life purposes. 6

Oral Deaf-generally use speech and residual hearing to communicate. May use manual communication as a supplement but do not identify with Deaf community Late-Deafened— Mixed views on age of onset, but generally used for individuals who have lost their hearing during their teenage years or older. Do not identify with Deaf community as a rule. 7

Categories of Hearing Loss Normal Hearing Can hear soft conversations Moderate to severe 56 to 70 decibel loss Will miss 100% of speech information without amplification Minimal loss 16 to 25 decibel loss Will have trouble hearing faint or distant speech Severe 71 to 90 decibel loss Can only hear loud noises at close distances Mild 25 to 40 decibel loss Will miss up to 50% of a group discussion Profound 91 decibel loss and above Depends solely on vision instead of hearing for processing information Moderate 41 to 55 decibel loss Conversation over 5 feet away may not be understood 8

9

Deaf Culture Disability vs. culture Deaf / dumb ASL as native language TTY / relay/vp/technology Name signs 10

Deaf Culture, cont. Saying goodbye Introductions Role of Deaf schools/programs Deaf “grapevine” 11

Hard of Hearing Culture HLAA (Hearing Loss Assoc of America) ALDA (Association of Late-Deafened Adults) Young vs Older Hearing aids fix the problem Persons who are HH know what they need?? Speaking/Listening/environmental factors

Communication Sign language systems Manual/visual support systems Oral Communication/lip reading Symbols/gesture Factors which affect language acquisition Tips for better communication

Modes of Communication American Sign Language Pidgin Sign Language/Contact SL Signed English Signing Exact English Cued Speech Oral Communication Books/symbols/pictures Gesture 14

Definition of ASL ASL is a natural, visual-gestural language which has evolved to meet the linguistic needs of its users, and therefore it is a language fully accessible to deaf individuals. Eric Drasgow, Council for Exceptional Children,

Some Features of ASL Signing space Non-manual signals Directionality Number Systems Role Shift 16

Definition of Signed English Signed English is a reasonable manual parallel to English. It is an educational tool meant to be used while you speak in order to incorporate speech development and aided listening skills. 17

Some Features of Signed English Signed in English word order Can be conceptual or literal Initializes signs for synonyms 18

Definition of SEE Signing Exact English is a sign language system that represents literal English, to make visible everything that is not heard. SEE supplements hearing and speechreading. 19

Features of Signing Exact English Signed as English is spoken or written A sign is translated to only one English equivalent 20

Definition of Oral Interpreting The interpreter “mouths” the words spoken for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing student. Sign language may sometimes be used as a filler 21

Cued Speech Transliteration Cued Speech Transliteration is a visual method of communication that utilizes hand cues in order to provide spoken information that is ambiguous through lip reading alone. 22

Communication Books A tool used to facilitate a student’s expressive and receptive language which can be used as a communication aid with both non signing and signing partners. 23

Features of a Communication Book Typically organized by grammatical categories/topics Best custom designed for individual students’ needs Should be accompanied with print representation or signed representation 24

Tips for better Communication Lighting Environmental sound Face to face Look at the person not the interpreter Don’t exaggerate facial expressions Repeat/rephrase Write or gesture

Less Obvious Background Noise Sources: Air conditioning or heating units Traffic noises, lawn mower outside an office Other people talking nearby, cubicle chatter Static on a phone line Refrigerators, projector fans, vending machine humming Telephones ringing, copier running People coughing, moving in their chairs, rustling papers

Use of Interpreters Certification/Qualifications Cost Role of interpreters Ethical expectations

Independent Living Needs Assistance with housing or understanding the process, lease agreement or other paperwork Assistance with accessing the community-how to request services from physician, dentist, bank, etc Assistance with purchases, such as vehicle, furniture, insurance, food Assistance with employment-how to access community job-search resources, interview Assistance with accessing technology, i.e. STAP, VP

Technology Hearing Aids Cochlear Implants Amplified phones Video phones/facetime/skype CART/C-print/Typewell (on site and remote) Loop and FM systems Ubi-duo

It’s the Law! ADA Title IV – Telecommunications Relay Services Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 mandated a nationwide system of telecommunications relay services to make the telephone network accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have speech impairments. Title IV of the ADA added Section 225 to the Communications Act of Statute: 47 U.S.C. § 255 available at Regulations: 47 C.F.R. §§ available at Regulations: 47 C.F.R. §§ available at

Discussion Specific issues or challenges in serving individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Resources and materials

Resources Texasdhhresources.org/ ESC11.net Pepnet.org Gallaudetuniversity.edu Dhhtexastransition.org Nad.org of hearing services

Thank you Susie Tiggs Theresa Johnson