Assessing Student's Needs for Assistive Technology (ASNAT)

Chapter 8 – Assistive Technology for Vision and Hearing
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR INDIVIDUALS
WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
Penny Reed, Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative and
Christine Fuller, State Coordinator for Deafness, Deaf-blindness, LD & Transition, Arizona
Department of Economic Security
Assistive technology for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing fall into one of three categories:
Telecommunications, Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs), and Alerting Devices. Persons with hearing
impairments use amplified systems to assist with their hearing, however they also rely upon their vision
and their sense of touch, particularly to vibrations to supplement their reduced hearing capabilities.
Hard of Hearing
The definition of a person who is hard of hearing is one whose hearing is impaired to an extent that
makes hearing difficult, but whose impairment does not preclude the understanding of speech through
the ear alone, with or without a hearing aid. The person's speech may or may not be affected by the
hearing loss. Hearing aids and other amplification devices often significantly assist these individuals
Deaf
The definition of a person who is deaf is one whose hearing is impaired to the extent that precludes the
understanding of speech through the ear alone, with or without the use of a hearing aid. The person's
speech may or may not be affected by the hearing loss. An individual with this type of loss relies on
visual modes rather than the auditory mode for communication. This individual will use various modes
of manual communication (sign language, cued speech) and visual assistive devices. In addition to the
use of vision, a person who is deaf may rely on his/her sense of touch and use devices with vibrating
output.
Telecommunications
There are many devices included in this category.
♦ Pen and Paper-For the student who can write and read, this is still a tried and true method of
communication.
♦ Computer-Depending on the ability of the student to keyboard, the computer can be used by
individuals with hearing impairments with few adaptations. A Screen Flash is one adaptation for the
computer that may be helpful. A screen flash is a substitute for the alert signals (e.g., error beep) on
a computer that are typically different sounds.
♦ Phone Amplifiers-These can be low or high tech. Phone amplifiers can be built into the phone or
they can be external and either clamp on or connect to the phone. The optimum phone amplification
system is dependent upon the individual's hearing loss, hearing aids, and the time spent on the
phone.
♦ TDD (Telecommunications devices for the Deaf)-Previously known as TTY (teletype machine).
These are used by individuals who cannot hear on the phone to enable them to place a phone call. A
TDD has a small keyboard with a screen that has text moving across it. The user types in what they
Assessing Students’ Needs for Assistive Technology (2004) 218