10 Topics for Discussion with Parents of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children

1. Dr. Nanci A. Scheetz, CSC Professor, VSU Dr. Susan Easterbrooks Professor, GSU 10 Topics for Discussion with Parents of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children

2. 1. Academic, Personal, and Social Goals for the Child Ask parents: • What are your goals for your child? • What would you like to see your child do in the future? • What would you like to see your child accomplish in five years, etc. Share with parents: What your goals are for the child What you hope to help the child accomplish as a person, academically, and socially

3. 2. Modes of Communication • Provide parents with information regarding the various communication options • Total Communication • Oral/Aural Methods • Cued Speech • American Sign Language • Bilingual-Bicultural

4. 3. School Settings • There are a variety of educational settings where students who are deaf or hard of hearing receive their education. • Included classrooms • Resource rooms • Day schools • Residential schools for the deaf

5. 4. Support Services • Discuss with parents the array of support services that are available: • Interpreters • Tutors • Notetakers • C-Print captionists • Itinerant teachers

6. 5. Role of Support Service Providers • Explain the role and duties of support personnel: • Make sure they understand how an interpreter differs from a teacher • Clarify what role an itinerant teacher plays • Discuss the types of notetaking systems: C-print, Typewell, CART, etc. • Describe the role of the notetaker • Clarify the role of the tutor

7. 6. Alternative Assessments and Graduation Requirements • Discuss the implication of using alternative assessments • Discuss the differences between a regular and a modified curriculum • Discuss graduation requirements, what they involve, and what students must do to earn a high school diploma

8. 7. Provide Parents with a List of Organizations, Local Resources, and Publications Related to Hearing Loss • There are a multitude of resources available to assist parents with understanding and learning more about hearing loss: • Prepare a sheet for parents with local, state, and national organizations such as NAD, Hands and Voices, American Society for Deaf Children and Alexander Graham Bell. • Assist parents in finding publications that directly relate to their needs as well as their child’s needs • Find out when local and state organizations have their meetings so interested parents can attend. Let them know how they can join these organizations.

9. 8. Transition Issues • As children grow and develop their needs, as well as their parents’ needs change. • Children may need additional support services as they transition from early childhood into elementary school programs • Transitioning from elementary school into middle school can be especially challenging for both parents and students. Socialization become a critical part of the developmental process and can cause concern for parents during this time.

10. Transition To Middle School • What worked in elementary school with one primary teacher might not work in middle school. • Students may need additional support services as they adjust to the work load and the variety of teachers. • Parents may need to take a more active role to ensure that opportunities for academic success can be achieved. • Parents need to know what to expect and what their rights are

11. Transition from Middle School to High School and Beyond • Parents can experience feelings of uncertainty as their children transition in and out of high school. • Parents need to be aware of Vocational Rehabilitation and what services they can provide • Parents may need guidance as they select post secondary programs for their children

12. 9. Developing Teacher/Parent Partnerships • Have a open discussion with parents regarding establishing a strong teacher/parent partnership. • Describe your role and how you see them contributing to the educational process • Stress the importance of their input regarding their child, their child’s learning style, classroom activities, and communication preferences • Enable them to become team players

13. 10. Involvement in the Community • Encourage parents to get involved in the community • Ask parents what support groups they’re involved in or interested in becoming involved in. Encourage them to: • share their insights and expertise • Provide support for other parents • Set up support groups if none are available • Become an advocate

14. 10 Topics for Discussion • Goals for the Child: Academic, Personal, and Social • Modes of Communication • School Settings • Support Services • Role of Support Service Providers • Alternative Assessments and Graduation Requirements

15. Additional Topics for Discussion • List of Organizations, local resources, and publications related to Hearing Loss • Transition issues • Developing Teacher/Parent Partnerships • Parents becoming involved in the community

16. References • Bullard, C. (2003). The itinerant teacher’s handbook. Hillsboro, OR: Butte Publications, Inc. • Moores, D.F. (2001). Educating the deaf. Boston,MA: Houghton Mifflin Co. • Scheetz, N. (2002). Orientation to deafness. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Publications, Inc.