Ideas for Orienting New Schools and Teachers

Introductions


New coaches, teachers, daycares… We often find ourselves introducing our child (and their hearing loss) to new caregivers. How can we quickly and effectively set the tone for a successful relationship? 


One very effective tool is a “one pager.” This is an engaging, easy to read, positive document that hits the high points of both our child’s interests/talents and their hearing loss. (Afterall, our child is much more than their hearing status, and we want to set that tone as well!)


This document should include the most critical information for successful communication in the given environment. If your child is able, it’s a good idea to ask them for input on what they think would be helpful to explain or what they want the adult to know about them and their hearing. Including your child in the process will help them develop critical self advocacy skills and practice introductions that they will one day need to make for themselves. 


I find that www.Canva.com is an excellent website for creating these documents. I use the newsletter, resume, and flier templates. If you need any help creating one of these, please reach out to info@DeafKidsCan.org.


If you find that you don’t have room to include all of the information that you think is important, consider adding a QR code (easy to generate here) to give a link to more information. This would be a great way to share things like hearing loss simulators or a video of your child introducing themselves and telling about their hearing loss. 


Let’s set the stage for a positive and constructive view of our child, their hearing loss, and communication with the caregiver! There are several examples below which are focused on different age groups and settings. (I’ve changed all of the names and photos.) You’ll also find links to several general documents that might be helpful.

This one pager is for a coach unfamiliar with hearing loss who insists the child hears better than they do. It’s not exactly an introduction, but it gives good ideas for phrasing and things to include. Canva Template Link

This one is customized for a daycare situation. Common issues to address in daycare include workers removing hearing technology out of fear that it will break and not speaking to the child much because they assume he cannot understand. Daycare caregivers often respond well to being positioned as an important member of the child’s team of helpers, which is what they are.

Canva Template Link

This next document is for a middle schooler or high schooler with multiple teachers. It includes a QR code for a video simulation of what it’s like for a child with hearing loss in a classroom both with and without their FM/DM system. Canva Template Link

This website and any links are provided for educational purposes NOT medical or legal advice. For those purposes, please consult the appropriately licensed professionals. 

The links provided on this website are to resources that parents and professionals have found to be helpful and educational.  As the internet is a dynamic and ever changing environment, it is possible that a linked resource could contain information not endorsed by the Coalition. The Coalition stands adamantly opposed to any discrimination or harassment in regard to age, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religious belief, sex, political affiliation, or otherwise as may be prohibited by federal and state law. 

     The Coalition is, at its core, supportive of the right of parents and guardians to choose the communication mode best suited to meet the needs of their individual child, recognizing that there are many factors to consider and communication options. In focusing on the particular needs of families pursuing a listening and spoken language option, it is not the Coalition’s position that this is the best option for every child. It is, however, a particular area of need and the one that this not-for profit is organized to support.