IDENTIFYING AND IMPLEMENTING COMMUNICATION-RELATED ACCOMMODATIONS For School Aged Children ACCOMMODATIONS • The purpose of an accommodation is to minimize the effect of a student’s disability on his/her access to instruction and not to reduce the learning expectations • Accommodations should align with the student’s communication needs and learning style and may vary across content areas CLASSROOM ACOUSTICS • A conducive listening classroom environment is critical for children to access academic content, communicate with the teacher, and interact with their peers • A typical classroom is noisy • The recommended signal-to-noise (SNR or S/N ratio) level is + 15 dB • S/N ratio refers to the relationship of the loudness of the teacher’s voice (i

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IDENTIFYING AND IMPLEMENTING COMMUNICATION-RELATED ACCOMMODATIONS For School Aged Children ACCOMMODATIONS • The purpose of an accommodation is to minimize the effect of a student’s disability on his/her access to instruction and not to reduce the learning expectations • Accommodations should align with the student’s communication needs and learning style and may vary across content areas CLASSROOM ACOUSTICS • A conducive listening classroom environment is critical for children to access academic content, communicate with the teacher, and interact with their peers • A typical classroom is noisy • The recommended signal-to-noise (SNR or S/N ratio) level is + 15 dB • S/N ratio refers to the relationship of the loudness of the teacher’s voice (i.e. the signal) to the loudness of the noise in the classroom (i.e. noise). • For optimal learning, the teacher’s voice should be at least 15 dB louder than the overall classroom noise. CLASSROOM ACOUSTICS • Reverberation refers to multiple reflections of sound in a classroom, as various sounds are reflected off of hard surfaces such as walls and floors. • The recommended reverberation level is 0.6 – most classroom exceed this level HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (HATS) • HATS should be considered for any student with hearing loss who benefits from auditory information for instruction and communication. • Personal devices such as hearing aids and CIs provide adequate access to spoken language in some communicative settings. • However, classroom environments pose two primary listening challenges that cannot be helped with personal listening devices: • Background noise • Distance HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (HATS) Type of System and Signal System Configuration User Connection Frequency Modulation (FM) or Digital Modulation (DM) systems An FM transmitter sends low power FM frequency radio signal to FM receivers. Multiple transmitters set to different channels allow listeners to sync to a specific signal/speaker. Both FM and DM systems transmit signals from a microphone (worn by teacher) directly to the student’s hearing device. Users need a receiver integrated into their personal device or attached as a boot to receive direct audio input (DAI). Users with a telecoil in their personal device may connect using a neckloop These systems, also known as remote microphone hearing assistance systems, are widely used in educational programs of all sizes A DM system transmits digital signals. FM SYSTEMS HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (HATS) Type of System and Signal System Configuration User Connection Infrared (IR) Systems An IR transmitter sends the signal to an IR receiver using an invisible infrared light beam or light wave. This technology is line-of-sight and for indoor use only. Users need an IR receiver or neckloop with a telecoil. IR signals are sent and received in a straight line, so users must sit as centrally as possible. These systems may be used in programs with a smaller number of users HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (HATS) Type of System and Signal System Configuration User Connection Induction Loops A copper wire loop is placed along the perimeter of a room or area and connected via a driver to a sound system, creating an electromagnetic field which connects to telecoil receivers Users whose personal technology includes a telecoil can access the telecoil program to receive the signal directly to their device. Users without telecoils may use a hearing loop receiver to connect to the system These systems are primarily used in large public areas such as auditorium INDUCTION LOOP HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (HATS) Type of System and Signal Bluetooth System Configuration Bluetooth varies by device, with newer devices having the These systems typically are short capability of using Bluetooth range and device specific. They without an intermediary device. are often used to connect a user Some devices require a specific to a computer, tablet, smartphone intermediary component to or television connect to external devices via Bluetooth. User Connection Interface may be as simple as pairing the personal device with the external device. Users sometimes will select a specific program in order to use Bluetooth. BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY Allows a wide variety of hearing aids to connect wirelessly to Bluetooth-capable devices. These devices are called accessories and include headphones, smartphones, and assistive listening systems. When the devices are paired, they exchange data via low-powered, short range radio waves. Distance is limited to about 30 feet PRINT BASED TECHNOLOGIES • Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) – provides student with access to a running transcript of the classroom instruction on a computer screen. • Uses an on-site captioner or a remote service provider • Students in classes that use a lot of technical language prefer CART which provides both real-time and access and a permanent record via a printed transcript • Some students request lecture notes and handout materials in advance so that they can follow along. VISUAL SUPPORTS • Preferential seating • Note takers • Skilled interpreters • Visual alerting devices (fire alarms/ active shooter signals)