I had an amazing lunch with Dr. Lauren Calandruccio, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, who specializes in all things audiology. I learned fascinating things. For example, when she has one of her typical students try out a cochlear implant simulator in class, and she is teaching with a mask on, some students comprehend as little as FIVE PERCENT of what she is saying. I was shocked. We have so much to do already to provide services to students with speech and language disorders and now the battle is even more difficult.
Dr. Calandruccio and two of her IMPACT students (more to come on that in a future post) came up with the flyer (below) to help both students and teachers work through this trying time.
Highlights include:
Students
- Advocate for yourself
- Find available resources
- Monitor your mental health
Teachers
- Ask if students can hear you
- Talk slower
- Consider a microphone
For anyone working with people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or for those working with people who are listening in their non-native language, please consider some of these tips.
Also, Dr. Calandruccio has given full permission for the flyer to be shared. Please spread the word.
