Anna is a 17 year old student with a hearing impairment who is studying to become a hairdresser.  Though Anna can lip read, she has been struggling on the course as she has had difficulties in the group work activities and assignments because she has not been able to follow the conversations of her peers.  After failing an assignment, Anna discussed her difficulties with her tutor and explained what she would find helpful.  Later, with Anna’s consent and full knowledge, her tutor sat down with the whole group to discuss the different ways in which they could ensure that Anna is fully included within their course.  She gave them the following advice:

1. People who depend on their eyes to “hear” will not be able to take notes as well as lip read or watch an interpreter, so it would be helpful for the other students to provide Anna with notes or arrange for copies of their own notes to be given to her. 
2. Group work can be difficult for people who are Deaf as they do not know who is speaking and who to watch unless those who are speaking are facing them.  Passing a baton around can help, but the students must indicate with a gesture, when they are speaking.
3. If you are with someone who can lip read (only 3 out of 10 words are visible on the lips):

• Look directly at them;
• Keep the normal speech rhythm but slow down slightly;
• Use facial expression, body language and gesture where appropriate;
• Keep your head fairly still when speaking;
• Ensure that your mouth is not hidden behind a hand, beard, or cigarette and that you are not chewing;
• Ensure that there is sufficient light on your face when you are speaking;
• Remember that shouting does NOT help. Increased volume cannot compensate for an inability to access certain sound frequencies.

Once the students understood the challenges that Anna can face in group situations, they were more understanding and helpful and ensured that she was fully included in the course activities.

Remember, the experience of disability is highly individualised, and people with the same impairment may have very different needs when it comes to making adjustments to practice. It is really important to have a discussion with the disabled person themselves about what their particular needs – and solutions – might be.