how do i teach childbirth education to deaf parents?!
Question: I am a childbirth educator and this weekend I will have a deaf couple attending with an interpreter. I want to be the best teacher possible for all my couples and need a quick tutorial on how to pace myself to accommodate my hearing-impaired parents.
Answers:
I'm a deaf college student and I can offer you some tips.
1) Ask them if there is anything you need to know or do (like ask for a notetaker) before class starts.
2) Be visual-oriented, writing things like assignments on the board or the overhead.
3) Put information on handouts so they can take it home because they may not be able to take their own notes.
4) They may request a notetaker. Don't be surprised if the parents or the interpreter asks for a volunteer in class to take notes.
5) Treat them like everybody else. Talk at regular speed during class and while engaged in conversations with them.
6) Don't be nervous. Deaf people are usually very friendly people.
7) It should just be a little more visual than in a regular hearing classroom. Then everything will be okay for all couples there.
Other Answers:
I know my friend "said" that her class teacher prepared posterboard pictures to help them out even though they could read lips it really helped them. Plus, she exagerated some of the things they were learning to help out. Then after the class the teacher had a binder with more pics and written information in it for them to practice at home.
It's good that there will be an interpreter attending your session. Your deaf parents may be able to lip read so:
Just be yourself and speak as you would do normally, especially don't exaggerate your lip movements or talk to slowly.
It is a good idea not to stand with your back to a window as it's nigh on impossible to read lips when the background is too bright.
Don't cover your mouth when you speak, and try not to move your arms/hands about too much as this can be very distracting.
Is it at all possible for you to contact the interpreter to ask for their advice?
Source(s):
Hard of hearing myself!
You learn sign language.
Answers: