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Re: Hearing problem


-----Original Message-----
From: dmathies@tulsa.cc.ok.us <dmathies@tulsa.cc.ok.us>


Abosolutely Not!!! The first time I faced the situation I felt strongly
that this would be the case. Experience taught me that it is absolutely
NOT TRUE!! (I can not emphasize this strongly enough!)


Let me then argue with the _absolutely_ part. So far, I haven't had to
deal with this kind of situation, but if I did have a similar student (and
followed the advice given in this thread), I would have to drastically
change the way I teach. While I don't pace, I do relocate myself several
times during class. When demonstrating, I need to be at the equipment, when
using the board, there. When using computer animations and simulations I
both need to be at the computer AND I have to have the lights out. When
just talking to the students, I come down off our little stage and stand
amongst them. To remain facing and remain always visible to a deaf student
would be extremely difficult for me. In other class situations, with small
classes and smaller rooms, a signer would both be in the way and a
distraction. None of this is not to say that accommodations couldn't be
done, but I have much less confidence that these accommodations would not
decrease the effectiveness (if there is any) of my presentations and
interactions and I really wouldn't want to. I would, on the other hand try
and find alternatives--such as videotaping and having someone work to sign
the content to the student outside of class (although some PC types would
find this puts too much strain on the student since they would have to
experience the class twice!)

I'm probably coming across as mean spirited about the handicapped here and
really don't mean to (and I have plenty of experience working with and just
living with handicapped people), but there are many degrees to the
accommodations that MUST and CAN be made and sometimes I do think we have
gone overboard and really beyond what the law (or common sense) demands.

Rick