Section
4:
Rights and Responsibilities
Appendix
B: Appropriate
Language and Behaviour
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Brief Description:
Many people who have a hearing impairment have difficulty hearing and understanding in the presence of background noise. Listening in groups, lecture theatres, classrooms, laboratories and workshops can be affected by:
- noise interference
- room reverberation
- distance from the speaker
Devices are available which will increase the loudness of the person talking without amplifying the background noise.
Who can it assist?
- students who have a hearing impairment
Inclusive Teaching Practice
You can assist your student by:
- Being prepared to wear a microphone if necessary. Most models are unobtrusive and do not feedback.
- Reflecting questions communicated by others in the room so as to enable the student who has a hearing impairment to hear the question/comment/answer.
- Writing on the board any new or complex terminology that the student is unlikely to be familiar with.
Good Practice when using FM systems
- Discuss with your student what works best for them.
- Don’t shout or use exaggerated mouth movements.
- Speak clearly in a normal voice. Avoid speaking loudly into the microphone.
- Check if any special seating arrangements are preferred by the student.
- Take all steps to
reduce background noise
- Control the communications in the room ensuring that only one person speaks at a time.
- Make sure the speaker has everyone's attention before speaking.
- Look for ways to reduce reverberation (installing carpet, curtains, turning noisy air conditioners down or off).
- If there is significant noise coming from outside the room, a room change should be considered.
Inclusive Technology
There are a range of devices available with the following describing the features of 2 systems more commonly used in a teaching environment.
- Personal FM Systems
Simple versions include a directional microphone attached by a wire to an earphone.
More elaborate systems consist of a lapel microphone/transmitter worn by the teacher and a receiver worn by the student.
These systems transmit the sound either by infrared or FM signals. The student can use headphones, an ear piece or induction plate which is used with the hearing aid in the T switch position. The range is about 500m. If it is anticipated that more than one student will use the system a more powerful base station transmitter can be used.
- Audio Loop Induction Systems
This involves the speaker using a microphone connected to an amplifier and a "loop" of cable which surrounds a room or part thereof. The student then can hear what is said anywhere in the enclosed area by turning their hearing aid to the T position. An alternative receiver is available for those without hearing aids or who use a ‘within the ear’ aid.
These systems are useful for more permanent installations.
A smaller version of the loop known as the Loop Mat is a more convenient alternative in work stations, meeting tables etc.
Further information and assistance can be obtained from:
Disability Advisers/Disability Liaison Officers (see Fact Sheet section 6 for contact details)
ACCESS & Equity Project of Northern Group Training Ph. 6334 2266
Independent Living Centre Tasmania Ph. 6334 5899
Tasmanian Deaf Society Inc. Ph. 6249 5144
Better Hearing Australia Ph. 6228 0011
Useful information and links can be found at the following website:
Assistive Communication
Devices
http://www.netdoor.com/entinfo/hrastaao.html
Discover Technology
http://discovertechnology.com/idea14b.htm
Introduction | Strategies for Inclusive Practice | What The Law Says | Legislative Requirements | Rights and Responsibilities | Code of Practice | Who Can Assist? | Examples of Inclusive Practice | Appropriate Language and Behaviour | Index to Fact Sheet Series | Bibliography | Recommended References | Tasmanian Organisations | Acknowledgements