1. Understanding the Needs of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Student
by Deaf/Hard of Hearing Staff
Tustin Unified School District

2. Helpful Strategies for Teachers with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Student in their Class
Teacher’s Voice
Speak naturally, using a normal rate of speech. Do not overemphasize words.
Speak Facing the Class
Position your body so the student can see your face. This allows the student to lip-read and use body language for more information. Try not to speak with your back to the student. Avoid facing the board, standing in front of a window due to glare, or placing objects in front of your mouth/face.
Repeat or Rephrase Student Questions and Comments
The student may have missed all or part of a classmates question or comment. Classmates often speak softer and not as clear, switch topics, or use short phrases. They are also harder for the D/HH student to locate in the room for lip-reading purposes. When calling on students it helps the Deaf/Hard of Hearing student locate the person speaking promptly. Repeating the students comments or questions is beneficial .
Visual Support
Write new vocabulary and assignments on the board, use an overhead projector, or pass out handouts
Check for Understanding
Ask the student for the content of what was said to be certain the student understands and has heard everything. Avoid asking a “yes” or “no” questions. Ask questions such as; “Tell me what you heard” or “Explain some details about the topic” or ask specific comprehension questions.
Be careful not to single the student out or embarrass the student when checking for comprehension
Seating Considerations
Deaf and Hard of Hearing students should utilize preferential seating in front of the classroom. .
Background Noise is Tricky
Give the student a few extra seconds to process the information they heard and time to respond.
Be aware of extraneous noises such as fans, lawn mowers, open windows during recess/lunch , open doors to noisy hallways.

3. Helpful FM System Tips
ONLY USE DURING DIRECT INSTRUCTION or DIRECT COMMUNICATION–
It is very distracting if the device is not turned OFF or MUTED during side conversations between the teacher and other students.
Be sure to wear the transmitter center of the chest and directly below your mouth 4 to 8 inches. Any other location reduces the effectiveness of the transmission.
The transmitter should be worn outside all clothing. Be sure any jewelry and/or buttons are not rubbing or hitting the transmitter as it will cause interference and will distort/disrupt clear transmission of your voice.
Be sure to turn “off” at lunch or when using the restroom.
Don’t forget to turn the FM “on” when classroom instruction resumes.
The students can “get by” without the FM, but don’t assume just because they are wearing the system it will take care of everything. It is still essential to check for understanding.
The transmitter needs to be charged at the end of each day.

4. How to wear the FM System
…or around the neck
by using the lavalier
The FM System can either
be worn on the belt
by using the clip...
...or around the neck by using the lavalier

5. How to wear the FM Microphone
Microphones should NOT be more than 4-8 inches from your mouth
Jewelry, key lanyards, and/or scarves should NOT be worn near the microphone.

6. How to wear a Boom Microphone
Keep the microphone directly in front of your mouth, but never touching your face.
If needed, you can easily bend the Boom part of the microphone.

7. Inspiro Muted NOT muted On/Off Button On is GREEN. Off is BLACK.
Mute Button
To be used when having private conversations with other students, hallway conversations with other teachers, recess/free period, or when leaving to go to the bathroom.
Lapel Microphone
This should be worn approximately 8 inches from the speaker’s mouth. Do not wear dangling keys or necklaces around the microphone as it will cause noise interference.
Microphone Indicator
The microphone symbol will indicate if the microphone is muted or not muted.
Muted NOT muted

8. Amigo

9. Easylink, Smartlink, and Zoomlink
Easy link On/Off Button
Hold for three seconds to turn off and on.
Smartlink and Zoomlink On/Off
Hold down full circle button for three seconds to turn on and off.
Mute
To mute needs to be turned off
To be used when having private conversations with other students, hallway conversations with other teachers, recess/free period, or when leaving to go to the bathroom.
Mute
To mute needs to be turned off
To be used when having private conversations with other students, hallway conversations with other teachers, recess/free period, or when leaving to go to the bathroom.

10. Support from your Hearing Specialist
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Tustin Unified School District – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist.
Kristi Petree
If you experiencing any difficulties in using the FM system, or if you suspect that it is not working properly, contact your hearing specialist.
If you have concerns about the students progress in the classroom, please contact us.
Thank you for using the FM and for employing the strategies attached.