Deaf|Disability & Learning Support Service

Accommodating students who are Deaf or hard of hearing

Students, who are deaf or hard of hearing, can face significant difficulties within an academic setting. Maintaining effective communication with these students is imperative and may involve working through a Sign language interpreter or through visual communication, such as gestures etc.

The level of experience and skill of lip-reading, sign language interpretation may vary between students and thus supports and accommodations will also be different. Bear in mind that lip-reading can be tiring for the student and requires a lot of concentration.

Students who have some level of hearing may use a device to amplify sounds in a lecture. Where a student is using an assistive listening device a lecturer may be asked to wear a cordless lapel radio Aid to accommodate the student.

There is a dedicated page on Loop, accessible for all DCU staff which can be accessed HERE ( this is a self-enrol page).

The following are suggestions for improving the academic experience for students who are deaf or hard of hearing:

• Make lecture notes available in advance of lectures on Loop or directly to the student
• When using an Interpreter speak at your normal rate, if you are too fast the interpreter will ask you to slow down if necessary
• Face the class while speaking; if an interpreter is present; make sure the student can see both you and the interpreter. Loss of visual contact may mean loss of information for some students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Unless the students are using sign-language interpreters or Speed Text, be sure that the students have visual contact with you before you being lecturing. Avoid giving information while handing out papers
• When desks are arranged in rows, keep front seats open for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, or their interpreters.
• Repeat the comments and questions of other students, especially those from the back rows; acknowledge who has made the comment so the deaf or hard of hearing student can focus on the speaker
• For Tutorials use circular seating which ensures the student can lip-read all participants. Ensure that only 1 person speaks at a time
• Be mindful when choosing lecture or tutorial Rooms and ensure that there is adequate lighting for lip-reading, with speakers lit from the front.
• Use captioned videos whenever possible. If captions are not possible provide an outline or summary in advance.
• If there is an interruption in the class, get the deaf or hard of hearing student’s attention before resuming teaching
• Use visuals frequently. Because visual information is a deaf student's primary means of receiving information, films, overheads, diagrams, and other visual aids are useful instruction tools.
• Be flexible: allow a deaf student to work with audiovisual material independently and for a longer period of time
• Don't assume. When in doubt about how to assist the student, ask him or her.

For further information or advice please contact: disability.service@dcu.ie or Ext. 5927

Booking an Irish Sign Language Interpreter for a meeting with a student or an event:

Meeting with a Prospective DCU Student:

If you have arranged a meeting with a prospective DCU student who uses Irish Sign Language, this must be organised and funded by your School/Unit. 

We recommended using Bridge Interpreting and giving them at least 2 weeks notice.

You can complete their Online Booking Form: www.signlanguageinterpreting.ie

Meeting with a current DCUStudent:

If you have arranged a meeting with a current DCU student who uses Irish Sign Langugage, the student will already have an interpreter in place for the studies so there is no need to book an additional interpreter.

Please email disability.service@dcu.ie so we can ensure our Interpreters are available for the meeting.

Organising an Event:

If you are organising an Event on the DCU Campus and have been requested by an attendee to provide Irish Sign Langauge, this must be organised by you and funded by your School/Unit.

We recommended using Bridge Interpreting and giving them at least 2 weeks notice.

You can complete their Online Booking Form: www.signlanguageinterpreting.ie

For further information or advice please contact: disability.service@dcu.ie or Ext. 5927