Any student with a disability such as a visual impairment, hearing impairment, or deaf-blindness has a form of sensory impairment. Deaf-blindness is a combination of both hearing and visual impairment, this can also be addressed as a dual sensory impairment. The Florida Department of Education website has great resources and information that can help you gain a better understanding of these students. The link that I am going to place at the bottom will take you directly to a publication that will give you more insight on students with sensory impairments. This publication also includes resources that you can use and also share with the families of your students. I saved this publication for myself as a direct resource for my classroom. You will also be able to print this document if you are interested in having a copy at hand for your own classroom. Here is the title of the publication and the direct link:
Florida's Educational Opportunities for Students with Sensory Impairments
Tools for Students with Sensory Impairments
At the bottom I have listed a few tools that can be helpful to your students with sensory impairments. These tools can be easily incorporated into your classroom. These devices are easy to use and will help increase your student's independence within your classroom.
Roger Touchscreen Mic by Phonak
This is a tool that can be used within your classroom to help make the material you teach in your classroom more accessible for students who are deaf or hard- of - hearing. This tool is a small microphone that goes around the teachers neck on a lanyard. The touchscreen microphone helps amplify or increase the sound of your voice as you are teaching. The best part about this device is the automatic connection it makes to any assistive hearing devices your students may be wearing. I've added a video at the bottom to give you an idea as to how wonderful this tool can be for your classroom.
Williams Sound Personal FM Listening System
This tool can be used to increase the sound of the teacher's voice for students with a hearing impairment. It comes with two parts: a transmitter and a receiver. When using this device both the student and the teacher have to be on the same channel. The transmitter comes with a microphone that has to be worn by the teacher and a headset for the student. I've added a video at the bottom that will give you more information on the usage of this tool within your classroom.
OrCam Read or OrCam MyEye 2.0
The OrCam Read is a type of assistive listening device. This tool can be used to assist a student who wants to be able to read a text. This device takes a picture of the document or screen and reads it out loud for the student. It does not require an internet connection to work and it also has a port for headphones. The OrCam MyEye 2.0 also reads the material to the students but it also allows them to be able to recognize the teacher and their fellow classmates. Both of these devices give the student more independence. It is up to you to choose the one that you think will work best within your classroom environment. I've added a great video that shares the experience of a middle student named Dylan who has really benefited from the usage of this device. He shared his experience on the Steve Harvey show in 2017.
Links to The Resources Listed Above
Roger Touchscreen Mic
Williams Sound Personal FM Listening System
OrCam Read
OrCam MyEye 2.0
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