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Classroom seating can be a significant issue for
deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Unfortunately many classrooms have fixed
seating; in that environment the only issue becomes who sits where. In other
classrooms or labs, flexible seating is available, making accommodation
much easier.
The principal concern is that all students can
see you clearly. Deaf and hard-of-hearing students frequently need to sit
at or near the front of the room in order to have a clear view of you, of
the interpreter, of the captioning, and of any classroom materials. However
this orientation also means that when hearing students are contributing
to the class, the deaf and hard-of-hearing students will not know who is
speaking. We encourage you to identify the speaker, have the speaker pause
to allow him/her to be identified, and then speak. If smooth communication
is not possible, repeat the student statement yourself.
Also consider your own movement around the classroom.
Be certain that you are visible at all times to students who may depend
on speechreading you.
If seating is moveable, and the number of students
is small, organize seating in a semicircle or circle for best communication.
Then be certain that each speaker is clearly identified before he/she begins
to speak. In these circumstances you should also use the brightest lighting
possible.
Seek advice from deaf and hard-of-hearing students,
and the interpreter or captionist if present regarding optimum seating arrangements.
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