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Good News From Deaf/HH Students
Published on 2012-05-24 19:22:00
Got good news from some of my students today which they excitedly shared with me: One found out he was accepted into advanced math and science placement for the Fall, another was voted "Most likely to become President of the United States" by his class, one got a 100 on her Biology final, while another student learned she will be going to Disney World next week! :) Always nice to see students > read more
Why Students Should Attend IEP Meetings
Published on 2012-05-21 04:59:00
I usually encourage my students to attend their IEP meetings or be a part of the process of implementing their IEPs (Individualized Education Plans). I believe attending IEP meetings can be a great learning experience and that the student can contribute and help us understand how we can better serve this student. Research shows that students actively involved in making decisions about their > read more
When a Student is a Productive Member of the IEP Team
Published on 2012-05-16 19:51:00
I think it is very important for students, especially high school students, to attend IEP meetings and to be a part of making decisions about their educational plans. The meeting is about them, after all. Students are always invited to the meeting. It is really up to their parents on whether or not they can attend (unless they are 18). It makes me smile when a student voices his or her > read more
Hearing Aid Tube Changes Shouldn't Require Several Expensive Visits to the Audiologist
Published on 2012-05-10 04:56:00
From AllDeaf forum: I did ask my audie for the tubing I need another extra, in case of emergency that I might need it so badly if it's smthg happened to my tubing damage torn apart, it already dries up cracked by itself that way I don't have to come back again. She said no, that I can't buy one until I have to come back after for only a short months, it makes me so mad tired of going > read more
Listen, Remain Calm, Ask Questions. . .
Published on 2012-05-08 21:25:00
One of the most difficult things about being an itinerant teacher of mainstreamed deaf and hard of hearing students is getting in messy, complicated, and awkward situations with staff members, administrators, teachers, and interpreters. Some of these situations have made me want to curl up in a ball and sleep, slip off into la-la land, cry hysterically, scream and tear my hair out, or run away > read more
Unexpected Lesson on Poop & Pee
Published on 2012-05-04 10:29:00
I had a young student who participated in cleaning the wax out of his hearing aid ear mold. During the process he stopped and sniffed the ear mold. "Eeew!" he exclaimed. "It smells like poop!" Then he pointed the ear mold towards me suggesting I should smell it as well. I wanted to gag. I responded, "No thank you. I really don't feel like smelling something that smells like feces." "What?" He replied. "What is feechees?" I explained to him what feces mean and how there are other words people [..] > read more
Supposed "ASL" Music Video Featured on HuffPost Entertainment
Published on 2012-04-23 06:32:00
When a major website published an article about an "ASL"(American Sign Language) music video, native and fluent users of this language became upset, understandably. I think we should take their complaints seriously and listen to what they have to say. Some may think they are over reacting or being too critical, when it seems as if most are just pointing out the fact that the performance was not really ASL and it should not have been advertised as an ASL music video. According to ASL users, the l [..] > read more
Hypocrite!
Published on 2012-04-17 19:15:00
There are hypocrites everywhere. The mother riding a bicycle without a helmet, > read more
Effective Complaining
Published on 2012-04-12 18:19:00
Sometimes I have students who will have problems or issues with someone for a specific reason. I will talk to them about how to talk with the person they have issues with in a mature and responsible way. One must be cordial, respectful, and calm when working with others to try to solve a problem. It also helps to be clear in explaining what the issue is and how you would like it resolved. > read more
What Teaching Reminds Me
Published on 2012-04-05 07:54:00
When I am teaching as an itinerant teacher of deaf and hard of hearing students attending public schools, I am reminded of several things on a daily basis. I am reminded of diversity. There are different hearing losses, different ways of communicating, different languages, different ways of learning, and different cultures, families, and backgrounds. No one is like me, grew up like me, or will learn like I do. We are not the same, except in that we just all want to be happy and loved. I am rem [..] > read more
I Don't Know What Happened and Neither Do You. So Please Be Quiet.
Published on 2012-04-03 08:53:00
Sometimes issues or problems with a student, a staff member, or parent will come up. If somehow I am involved with it or have to be, I try my best to focus only on the facts. It is not smart to immediately make assumptions and to form opinions, especially if you did not witness the issue take place. When someone decides to talk about the issues with others (when they shouldn't) and make it their > read more
A Question About Schools for the Deaf Hiring Teachers and Staff Members With Incompetent Signing Skills
Published on 2012-04-02 07:50:00
If a school for the deaf, where using signed language is predominant, hired a teacher or staff member with incompetent signing skills, what do they do? Do they give the person a year to work on improving their signing skills? And if they don't improve their signing skills do the schools have the right to fire this person due to lack of signing skills? Just wondering, because I know how hard it > read more
Microwaves Can Cause Hearing Loss?
Published on 2012-04-01 13:18:00
In recent news, according to scientific clinical trials conducted in Switzerland over a twenty year period, microwaves can cause hearing loss. What?! A team of renowned scientists studied the effects of radiation emitted from microwave ovens on people. They found that over time, after frequent daily use of microwaves, people's hearing levels decreased significantly. Radiation danger from > read more
Used Hearing Aid Drive
Published on 2012-03-31 16:47:00
Hello my name is Ray Deardorff. I'm with HearingHealth4, part of a non-profit group committed to helping people hear better by providing quality used hearing aids at affordable pricing. One of the ways we accomplish this is through the continued support of hearing aid providers. We are in need of used hearing aids to help meet the ongoing growing demand from the hard of hearing who can't > read more
Hearing Devices Survey By Health Economics Research Group
Published on 2012-03-31 16:07:00
Dear Hearing Aid Teacher, We are a health economics research group at Leipzig University, Germany. Currently we are working on the project titled “how to make hearing aids and implants more affordable”. We would like to ask you to help us with the data collection for our research by filling out the questionnaire. Please could you publish the link on your blog? The link to the questionnaire is > read more
Should Very Minor Hearing Aid Issues Require Several Visits to the Audiologist?
Published on 2012-03-28 19:27:00
A new student's hearing aid somehow keeps "breaking" according to his mother and teachers. The mother repeatedly made appointments with his audiologists to have them fix the "broken" hearing aid. He would often be without a hearing aid while he waits for the "ear doctor man" to fix it, according to his teachers. When I finally got a chance to see his "broken" hearing aid, after convincing his > read more
Censored Closed Captions Issue Resolved!!
Published on 2012-03-22 19:36:00
I got this email today from the Disability Rights Office Federal Communications Commission: Good Afternoon Ms. [ (e ], I have received the company response regarding your complaint. The company concludes this matter is resolved and this email to verify resolution between you, the company and this specific complaint. Thanks in advance. It's official. The issue has been resolved. This is > read more
Don't Say "I Can't" Or "I Never Will"
Published on 2012-03-20 17:43:00
I have been trying to encourage a high school student I work with to put in more effort in his studies. He will often say, "I never will pass this class." and "I can't do this. What's the point?" My response is usually, "Of course you will. Don't say I never will." and "You can do this. Don't say I can't." Today I saw him and we talked about how he was doing in his classes and school things. > read more
Website I am Looking at to Help With Buying a New Hearing Aid
Published on 2012-03-17 20:57:00
I am currently looking at Consumer Reports' website to help me with the task of looking at buying a new hearing aid. It contains a lot of useful information and good advice. Does anyone know of other websites with helpful information about buying hearing aids? (e Link to Consumer Report's Hearing Aid Guide: http://www.consumerreports.org/health/healthy-living/home-medical-supplies/hearing/ > read more
Mixed Feelings About Getting a New Hearing Aid
Published on 2012-03-17 20:23:00
I have had my hearing aid since 2006. I think it is time for a new one; something sleeker with better sound quality. I like the idea of having something lighter and more comfortable hanging on my ear. But, I don't want to go through the process of shopping around for a hearing aid, trying it out, and visiting audiologists and hearing aid dispensers eager to sell me expensive hearing aids. I > read more
Read With Your Student or Child
Published on 2012-03-16 06:02:00
As I have mentioned before in an earlier post, no one really knows how one should teach children to read, particularly deaf and hard of hearing children. It depends. Of course once someone learns how to read, there are ways teachers and care givers can support and improve their reading skills. I witnessed this the other day watching a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing work with a student, > read more
The Signing School Bus
Published on 2012-03-10 16:31:00
I was on my way to work one morning. I stopped at an intersection waiting for the light to turn green. Ahead of me, on the other side of the intersection, was a large school bus facing me. I saw the dark silhouettes of children moving around on the bus. With nothing else to look at, I continued to stare at them. Suddenly, I realized that they were signing. Their hands moved around excitedly > read more
Captioning in the Classrooms A Big Hit
Published on 2012-03-05 18:09:00
Apparently, more and more students are requesting closed captioning or subtitles in some of the high schools I work at. Many students who have been exposed to captioned media, because it is necessary for their deaf and hard of hearing classmates, absolutely love it. A few kids mentioned how they like that it helps them with their note taking. Others really like that they now know exactly what > read more
New Title: The Hearing Aid Teacher
Published on 2012-03-01 19:03:00
I thought my previous title for this blog, Education & Advocacy For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, was a bit generic and impersonal. After brainstorming using techniques I teach my students (glad to know that they work!), I came up with The hearing aid teacher. Why this title and what does it mean to me? While I would not call myself the "hearing aid teacher" this is what some younger students > read more
I Will Be Changing the Title of My Blog
Published on 2012-02-26 12:00:00
I have decided to change the title of my blog, (e Eh? What? Huh? to (e Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Blog. I will be focusing more on deaf education. It seems as if I am writing more and more about this topic these days. It makes sense to change the title to simply describe the purpose of this blog. Also, it is easier to say the title Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Blog than Eh? > read more
Great Social Life Or Great Education?
Published on 2012-02-25 11:06:00
I am reading this interesting book about educational interpreters (Amazon link) and came across this statement made by a college student: For many mainstreamed students, social life is a disadvantage while education is a big plus. You have to sacrifice one thing for another. (Winston, 2004). In this case, this seems to be referring to mainly deaf or hard of hearing students who utilize > read more
Re-Post: Oh, That's Just The Way She Is
Published on 2012-02-21 10:08:00
Re-post of a February 21, 2010 post written by me: Writing and thinking about hearing loss issues has got me thinking a lot about myself and my past. I am beginning to dredge up some painful memories. Some of them attributed to my hearing loss. And its funny how at the time I did not associate the problems to my hearing loss (of course partly has to do with my personality at the > read more
Why it is Necessary for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Students to Self Advocate
Published on 2012-02-20 08:42:00
Speaking up for yourself can be tough sometimes. It can be scary to speak up against an authority figure and to try to be heard as an individual among the masses. For mainstreamed deaf and hard of hearing students, new to the idea of advocating for themselves, it can be a daunting task. Some of them may feel it is unnecessary or pointless. I encourage all of my mainstreamed deaf and hard of > read more
Parents' Right to Information
Published on 2012-02-14 05:33:00
Parents have the right to have access to information on all communication modes and options regarding their deaf or hard of hearing child. Whether I agree with the method or educational placement, I try my best to inform parents that they have this and this and this to choose from. I will give them suggestions or recommendations, but I will not tell them what to do, which I think is very > read more
How Do You Provide Unbiased Information in the Field of Deaf Education?
Published on 2012-02-13 06:16:00
We are all biased, no doubt about that. I think it would be impossible to remain unbiased at all times. However, the only time I am not biased or try not to be biased is when I am giving information to parents as a deaf and hard of hearing itinerant teacher. I usually don't tell parents what to do; I give suggestions. I also give a truck load of information. I encourage parents to look at the > read more
My Thoughts on HB 1367, Thus Far
Published on 2012-02-03 05:34:00
Rather than build an entirely new center, why not keep the outreach center where it is and look at what exactly is going on there. If there are problems, fix them. Perhaps the staff needs more training or some staff members need to leave. Perhaps new rules need to be enforced to encourage staff members to provide unbiased information. If some of the staff members did in fact act unprofessionally > read more
A Parent's Experience With the ISD Outreach Center & Why She Supports HB1367
Published on 2012-02-02 05:28:00
I was told about a blog post, Why I support Indiana House Bill 1367, written by Untitled. She wrote about her experience taking her son to the Outreach Center at ISD to be assessed. It did not sound as if it went well. Below is an excerpt. You can read the entire article here. I was very hesitant on going there because Evan was an already an established auditory learner. We chose the aural/ > read more
Great Post About HB 1367 & the Issues Surrounding Indiana School for the Deaf
Published on 2012-02-01 05:41:00
I found this excellent post on the issues surrounding House Bill 1367, Indiana School for the Deaf, and its outreach center. The article is named, Consider What You're Fighting to Win-My Post on Hear Indiana's "Support HB 1367" Facebook Page, written by Christopher Jon Heuer. I think his take on the situation is one of the most reasonable and clear statements I have seen online. It is > read more
Buying a New Hearing Aid (Yay! and 'Yawn')
Published on 2012-01-29 12:28:00
It has been at least six years since I bought a new hearing aid. I bought it based on a recommendation from an audiologist in New York City, while I was living there. I did not shop around or care to really learn more about the hearing aid I planned to buy, which was really expensive at the time. I did not even check to see if my insurance company would cover it. I was that clueless about buying > read more
For and Against HB 1367
Published on 2012-01-25 05:38:00
I have been reading various blogs about the House Bill 1367 which proposes to "remove the outreach center currently housed at the Indiana School for the Deaf, terminate all staff working in that center, and recreate a new outreach center separate from the school" (from NAD's Action Alert: Support Ind.School for the Deaf, Oppose HB 1367). Many people online oppose this bill, while few support > read more
Questions For Deaf & HOH Teachers From a Reader
Published on 2012-01-24 05:04:00
A reader left a comment with questions in response to an earlier post, Deaf Student Teacher With Hearing Students. Perhaps some of you can answer her questions and give her suggestions. Wow, this is a very inspiring article and I enjoy reading all your comments. I am currently a hearing impaired student teacher (hard of hearing) teaching hearing students. I've taught 5th grade hearing > read more
Please Link Back!!
Published on 2012-01-23 06:25:00
If you are going to include some or all I have written or posted here on your website or blog, please, please, please, provide a link back and give me some credit! Feel free to do whatever you want with what I have written, just link back. It's not cool when someone takes what I wrote or posted on this blog and then re-post it or use parts of it on their blog and website and not give me any > read more
What if There is a Cure For Deafness?
Published on 2012-01-18 06:08:00
I am excited and fascinated by the news of stem cell research approved by FDA in relation to treating hearing loss. I can't wait to find out what they learn. In light of the news, I have been asked by more and more people, "What if deafness was cured tomorrow? What would you do? Would you be upset about not working in deaf education?" I usually laugh and tell them, "I would not be upset. I > read more
Any Websites Offer Captioned Live News?
Published on 2011-07-05 18:58:00
A reader asked a good question. Perhaps someone can answer it or knows more about this. Reader's question: Hello (e, I was wondering if you know of a website that offers captioned streaming live news? Sadly, I've found several free streaming live > read more
Submit Eary Pictures!
Published on 2011-07-05 09:53:00
Audicus recently started a small "Ear/Hearing Appreciation Campaign", where they are encouraging people to submit pictures of "ear-shaped" objects and thus raise awareness about hearing loss. The idea is to create a huge library of "eary" pictures. C > read more
Eh? What? Huh? What's That? Come Again? Wait--What?
Published on 2011-07-02 13:37:00
Done with listening today. Eh? What? Huh? What's that? Come again? Wait-what? Did not catch that, tell me again. Um, can you please repeat that? Geez, do you happen to know any signs? How about finger spelling? And finally: > read more
Is ASL the 3rd or 4th Most Common Language in USA?
Published on 2011-06-30 19:41:00
I often hear that American Sign Language (ASL) is the "third most common language in the United States". I find this hard to believe when I encounter other languages on a daily basis far more than ASL. I hardly ever see others use ASL when I am out > read more
(e Was Here: Roanoke Star and Natural Bridge of VA
Published on 2011-06-26 22:47:00
Roanoke Star, Virginia The Natural Bridge, Virginia (e * If you found my cards (Eh? What? Huh?), let me know, especially if you found them at these two places! > read more
Phone Interviews: What Do You Do?
Published on 2011-06-26 21:10:00
You have been asked to conduct a phone interview about an available position with a company you would love to work for! But. . . you have a hearing loss and you are nervous and unsure about how you will perform over the phone. What do you do? H > read more
Waiting for the Elevator Makes Me Anxious
Published on 2011-06-22 09:46:00
Photograph from Flickr, by Jeff Tabaco While some people may have anxiety about being trapped on an elevator, sometimes I have anxiety about waiting for an elevator by myself. I noticed, while at the HLAA Convention in DC, that I have this anxiety. > read more
Come Find Me At HLAA Convention!
Published on 2011-06-15 20:34:00
At the Hearing Loss Association convention in DC, I will be wearing a shirt with my logo, (e. If you have not already met me, and you see someone wearing this shirt, it is probably me, so come by and say "Hi". Or you can look for my blue and white > read more
Hearing Aid Decorated For 2011 HLAA Convention
Published on 2011-06-15 16:44:00
What do you think? (e > read more
The Soup Pokes Fun at a Scene from 'Switched At Birth'
Published on 2011-06-13 17:05:00
E!'s The Soup played a clip from ABC's 'Switched At Birth' Season 1, Episode 1, and pointed out its silliness. I did not really notice this part, before. Watching it again, it is hard not to laugh at it. Below is the entire first episode, the scene i > read more
Most Likely a Language Issue Not Cognitive
Published on 2011-06-13 10:05:00
Sometimes I will have to explain to some people that being deaf or hard of hearing is not a cognitive issue, that is of course if the deaf or hard of hearing person understands language and has access to fluent and consistent language like everyone e > read more
How Should I Decorate My Hearing Aid For The HLAA Convention?
Published on 2011-06-12 22:03:00
How should I decorate my hearing aid for the 2011 HLAA Convention in Washington D.C.? What colors should I use? Anyone happen to know of any company that makes tiny stickers of famous D.C. landmarks? I will be leaving this Thursday, the 16th. Woul > read more
Check Out Incredible Short Film "My Song"
Published on 2011-06-12 20:37:00
I just watched My Song by C & B Films for BSLBT, directed by William Mager and written by Charlie Swinbourne. Big thanks to bloggers Amy Cohen Efron and Tina for sharing this film on their blogs. It is a coming of age story touching on identi > read more
Guest Post by Audicus: Why Do Humans Get a Kick Out of Loud Music?
Published on 2011-06-11 16:53:00
A writer for Audicus' blog wrote an informative and interesting article, which he would like to share here on Eh? What? Huh? I included only a portion of the article. You can read the entire article here. For more articles from Audicus, visit http > read more
My Review of the Premier of 'Switched At Birth"
Published on 2011-06-06 23:22:00
WARNING: Spoiler Alert! I enjoyed ABC's premier of "Switch At Birth," Monday night. It was very interesting and I thought they did an okay job with the casting and writing. The show started with Bay Kennish, a pretty brunette, laughing and smilin > read more
Switched At Birth, Premiering Tomorrow
Published on 2011-06-05 10:47:00
ABC's Switched At Birth premiers tomorrow, Monday June 6, at 9/8c, which will include Marlee Matlin in a guest-starring role. Here is a subtitled trailer (you may have to change the subtitles to English, if necessary). I don't watch much > read more
Making Generalizations
Published on 2011-06-04 09:19:00
Someone asked a question which was answered on RIT's 'Raising and Educating a Deaf Child' website. Here is an excerpt of the question: Could you tell me, please, is it typical behavior for a totally deaf person or people to close the shades and c > read more
Scavenger Hunt at 2011 HLAA Convention
Published on 2011-06-03 19:55:00
I am really looking forward to participating in a scavenger hunt with the Young Adult group (ages 18-35) at the HLAA convention. This will happen on Thursday evening, June 16th at the National Mall. I have not been on a scavenger hunt in ages, prob > read more
Is There a Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia?
Published on 2011-06-02 08:40:00
Someone sent me a link to an article from Johns Hopkins Medicine discussing the possibility of hearing loss being linked to dementia. For some reason, it seems as if seniors with hearing loss are more likely to suffer from dementia. The article state > read more
Can You Die From Being Deaf?
Published on 2011-05-31 19:17:00
Someone typed in a search key phrase asking, "Can you die from being deaf?" which somehow led this person to this blog. Hmmm, never really thought or heard of being deaf as a terminal illness. Is it a long and slow process? Will there be pain? Do yo > read more
Please Don't Use Sarcasm With My Students
Published on 2011-05-30 09:07:00
I wish some teachers and school staff members would stop using negative sarcasm with some of my deaf and hard of hearing students. Sarcasm can sometimes be confusing. Some of my students are not sure how to respond because they may not know if the pe > read more
Why I Don't Own an iPod or Wear Ear Buds to Listen to Music
Published on 2011-05-29 12:02:00
Photograph of ear buds from ebnt I do not own an iPod or listen to music using ear buds for several reasons. Unless I am at home, I would have to take my hearing aid out in order to put the ear bud in. It would be a hassle to have to do this. When > read more
Videos of Deaf and Hard of Hearing People That Students Liked the Most
Published on 2011-05-26 16:58:00
I have been giving short presentations about deaf and hard of hearing people, interesting, successful, and famous ones, to various classes. The students seemed to be most impressed with these people and videos below: It has been so f > read more
Compensating For My Hearing Loss: Standing Too Close For Comfort
Published on 2011-05-25 14:47:00
When I think about myself as a child growing up with partial deafness, I sometimes will look back and say, "Oh, that is why I did that!" A situation a student had recently, reminded me of how I used to stand really close to whomever was trying to > read more
My Audiogram Using Audiogram Creator
Published on 2011-05-25 05:38:00
HearingAidKnow added new audiogram templates for their Audiogram Creator. Some of the templates include speech sounds and the 'speech banana'. I created one with speech sounds, using my audiogram: If you want to learn more about my hearing loss, > read more
Alien Language, What Would it Look Like?
Published on 2011-05-22 12:46:00
I am always fascinated by discussions about language; what is it and how we learn it. I wrote an short essay while in graduate school about what the language of aliens (from outer space) would possibly look like if I were to observe them. The essay > read more
As a HOH Person, I Get Nervous About Knocking On Doors
Published on 2011-05-20 16:58:00
I have some anxiety about knocking on closed doors, to see if anyone is in the room or if it is safe for me to come in. Through the closed door, I usually will not hear if the person said, "Come in." or "Don't come in." I have had many embarrassing > read more
Should Students Have the Same Interpreter For Several Years?
Published on 2011-05-18 15:22:00
In your opinion, is it better for a student to have the same interpreter for several years or the entire time they are in school (until they graduate or move away)? Or should they be exposed to different interpreters throughout the years they attend > read more
Being Friendly with Students: How Much is Too Much?
Published on 2011-05-17 05:54:00
I will occasionally hug some of my students, when they look as if they need a hug or if they attempt to give me one. The hugs are usually pretty casual, almost more like half hugs and very short. I never hug my middle school and high school male stud > read more
My Mother's Battle for Closed Captions With Comcast
Published on 2011-05-16 05:39:00
My mother finally decided to join the rest of us and switch over from a VHS (Video Home System) player to a DVR (Digital Recording Device). She was super excited about not having to collect anymore clunky tapes. She really likes how easy it is to r > read more
Cute Deaf & HOH Student Stories
Published on 2011-05-15 20:55:00
Here is a list of a few blog posts about some of the amazing students I work with. Yes, I Know. Thank You. What Do Wind Chimes Sound Like? I Can Hear This and That! Sticky Notes Activity With Hard of Hearing Student Food Language Fun With My Har > read more
The Deaf or HOH Child Who Brings a Book to Dinner With Family
Published on 2011-05-13 18:49:00
I would hope that if your deaf child comes to dinner with a book to read, knowing that he or she will not be able to participate in the conversations, that you would consider trying to figure out how your child would like to communicate and work hard > read more
Which Is Better AVT or ASL?
Published on 2011-05-12 06:00:00
Which is better for the deaf or hard of hearing child? Using Auditory Verbal Therapy or American Sign Language? In my opinion, one is not better than the other. But, I do know this. using either ASL or AVT will not work, if the family or caregive > read more
Professionals Are Not Always Right
Published on 2011-05-10 10:02:00
Apparently, a speech therapist told a mother that her hard of hearing 3 year old daughter does not have to face the speaker when being spoken to. It seems as if the speech therapist concluded that it is not necessary for her to rely on lip reading. A > read more
Happy Mother's Day
Published on 2011-05-08 18:31:00
I would like to say Happy Mother's Day to all the good, loving, and hard working moms out there using a video I made for my mom a few years ago. (e > read more
Have to See it to Believe it? It Depends.
Published on 2011-05-06 05:38:00
Seth Godin wrote a great blog post about trying to decide what we can't see or experience is true or not. In my opinion, it is generally not a good idea to immediately believe things we can't see or did not experience first hand, without being skept > read more
More Posts About Hearing Aids
Published on 2011-05-04 14:34:00
Here is a list of more blog posts I have written about hearing aids. Helping a Student Change Her Hearing Aid Batteries Can Hearing Aids Damage Your Hearing? Videos: Hearing Aids Should Be Covered By Insurance If You Can Drink $5.00 Lattes Everyday, > read more
All About Hearing Aids
Published on 2011-05-04 05:48:00
Since I have been blogging about hearing aids, I thought I should share some posts I have written in the past that are related to this topic: What the Heck Chewed On My Hearing Aid Ear Mold?! Worried About Neighbors Using Hearing Aids to Spy On You > read more
No! My Hearing Aid!
Published on 2011-05-03 05:39:00
Last week, I was visiting a preschool classroom where there is a little boy with a moderate low frequency hearing loss. He wears hearing aids in both ears. He usually has no problem keeping them in and seems to not mind them. What we are currently w > read more
Sleeping With Your Hearing Aids
Published on 2011-05-02 05:43:00
Is there anyone who keeps their hearing aids on at all times, even to bed, except when you go swimming or take a bath or shower? I know a few who do, and they will never take off their hearing aids when they go to bed. Why? Some of them told me that > read more
My Signing Could Use Improvement
Published on 2011-04-29 06:03:00
A reader, J.K., commented: I do recommend that you, as an educator, try to improve your own understanding of ASL, if only because it will allow you to make better judgments about the quality of an interpreter. There are little nuances in ASL that > read more
Using Sign Language Interpreters Can Be Confusing and Irritating For Some
Published on 2011-04-28 06:12:00
Occasionally, I will have sign language interpreters interpret for me when there is a meeting, a show, or some sort of presentation. I even was invited by one to go to her church so she can interpret for me. Some of the interpreters I work with love > read more
No More Lousy Audiograms Please!
Published on 2011-04-27 05:34:00
Speaking of audiologists providing incomplete and poorly plotted audiograms, just yesterday another teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing showed me an audiogram, asking me if I can make any sense of it. This audiogram had "two attempts" on the > read more
Note to Some Audiologists
Published on 2011-04-25 05:16:00
Note to Some Audiologists, Please use clear and legible hand writing. Some of us have to read, understand, and explain audiograms for our jobs. It helps to provide aided audiograms, if possible. Please take the time to explain to patients and > read more
Happy Easter
Published on 2011-04-24 16:01:00
(e > read more
Relieve Some Stress: Cute Kitten Video and Funny Parody
Published on 2011-04-21 18:26:00
My goodness, work has been super overwhelming lately. : ( A cute kitten video and a funny parody of it never fails to help me relieve some stress. : ) Hope you enjoy them. From rozzafly From lopeprod (e > read more
Doctors Performing Cochlear Implant Surgery Only In It For The Money?
Published on 2011-04-20 16:04:00
I am tired of hearing about how all doctors who perform cochlear implant surgery are only in it for the money. I am also sick of hearing about how all doctors and audiologists who suggest cochlear implantation do it strictly to make lots of money. S > read more
Cochlear Implantation For "Medical Reasons"
Published on 2011-04-20 05:12:00
It is interesting to me how some deaf people are willing to accept the idea of other deaf people getting cochlear implantation for treating symptoms such as tinnitus, because to them this is a real medical issue. If a deaf person got cochlear implan > read more
Cochlear Implant Used to Treat Tinnitus. But What About Vertigo?
Published on 2011-04-19 18:18:00
Some comments, responding to an article paralleling skin bleaching to cochlear implantation, claimed that some deaf adults who suffer from vertigo and tinnitus are told by their doctors that the only way to cure either is to undergo cochlear implant > read more
Using SEE (Signed Exact English)
Published on 2011-04-19 05:57:00
When I was taking ASL classes at a local community college, I was told by some teachers, who were hearing interpreters, that Signed Exact English (SEE) was not a language or should not be a language used with deaf people. One described it as an artif > read more
The Case of the Eh? What? Huhs?
Published on 2011-04-18 05:12:00
There have been times where I am talking to someone and everything is going well; conversation is flowing and I understand everything being said. Then, suddenly, a constant loud background noise interferes or the air conditioner comes on (if inside s > read more
Guess Who Is Blogging For 2011 HLAA Convention :)
Published on 2011-04-15 05:39:00
I am happy to announce that I will be blogging for the 2011 Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Convention in Washington, D.C. this summer. Nancy Macklin, the Director of Events and Marketing, contacted me a while ago asking me if I would like > read more
Being Deaf Is Not a Medical Issue?
Published on 2011-04-14 06:12:00
Don Grushkin left a comment under this article discussing how skin bleaching in Jamaica parallels cochlear implantation. He said: Being Deaf is NOT a medical issue, either. It is NOT a life-threatening condition. Therefore, cochlear implant surg > read more
Inspirational Video of Deaf High School Teacher
Published on 2011-04-13 10:38:00
Pulled from YouTube playlist provided by a reader and teacher Jennifer. Thanks Jennifer! Let me know if you have any trouble with the captions. I can't seem to get them to work at the moment. (e > read more
Getting Deaf & HOH Students Together
Published on 2011-04-13 05:27:00
I have been collaborating with Silent Echo Of Harmony Inc. and others trying to come up with ways I can get my deaf and hard of students together. One of the biggest problems I come across when working with these students is that they are often the o > read more
Working On Your Child's Speech
Published on 2011-04-10 09:10:00
Sometimes parents ask me how they can work on their child's speech at home. They usually want to find ways they can help improve their speech or continue at home with what little speech therapy they think they get at school (if mainstreamed). I usu > read more
How Rude!
Published on 2011-04-09 19:13:00
As some of you already know, because of my hearing loss, I will often mispronounce words because I will often mishear how they are being pronounced. Therefore, people, usually people who know me well enough, will correct me. Most people have been res > read more
Decorated In-The-Ear Hearing Aid!
Published on 2011-04-06 09:44:00
From Sotiki's Flickr Account (e > read more
One Thing That Really Bothers Me About Itinerant Teaching
Published on 2011-04-05 11:30:00
One thing that really bothers me about itinerant teaching is that I never have time. I feel as if I never have time to work on my lesson plans, to reflect, and to teach. The mountains of paperwork, never ending meetings, and cons > read more
Can You Tell That Someone is Deaf By Looking at Their Fingers?
Published on 2011-04-01 06:00:00
I was reading this recent article discussing how clinical studies have shown that most deaf people have this physical trait that distinguishes them from people with typical hearing. But, they think that this only pertains to those who were born deaf > read more
I Feel Like a Creepy Stalker Sometimes
Published on 2011-03-30 05:19:00
My job as an itinerant teacher makes me feel as if I am a creepy stalker sometimes. I often work behind the scenes and fly under the radar as I observe students and teachers. I will show up unannounced, paying students and teachers surprise visits. I > read more
Worst Kind of Room For a Deaf or Hard of Hearing Person
Published on 2011-03-28 05:50:00
The worst room for a deaf and hard of hearing person to be in, if they have to communicate with many others using their auditory skills, would be a non-carpeted large room with super high ceilings. It would be even worse if the room has large windows > read more
Bad Lip Reader Video. Watch! It is Hilarious.
Published on 2011-03-27 07:21:00
My friend, Dan, shared this video on Facebook. It is from BadLipReading where they attempt to interpret music videos; failing miserably, producing hilarious results. Rebecca Black's "Friday": You can find the original lyrics here: http://www.dir > read more
Communicating With the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Published on 2011-03-26 12:42:00
I think it is important for the general public to be aware of communication issues many deaf and hard of hearing people often deal with. I think it is so important, that I will include here a list of all the posts I have written that are about these > read more
How Do You Sign 'Sign' (As in Sign Language)?
Published on 2011-03-25 05:52:00
I was told by someone, who is currently taking an ASL 1 class at a local community college, that the way we traditionally sign the word sign (as in sign language; to sign) is archaic and no longer used by most. She told this person not to sign it the > read more
Sometimes Receiving Good Grades is Irrelevant
Published on 2011-03-23 15:06:00
While working in various schools and education programs over the years, I worked with many students who made good grades but lacked certain basic skills that people should possess to be successful. In the end, the fact that they always made good g > read more
Don't Strive to Be Perfect
Published on 2011-03-23 05:18:00
Striving to be perfect all of the time can bring unnecessary stress, grief, and a sense of failure. When I am with my students, I do not expect them to quickly answer the questions and get every single answer correct. Not because I am not grading t > read more
No Grading Here
Published on 2011-03-22 05:47:00
One thing I really like about my job as an itinerant teacher is that I don't give out grades. I basically set a goal or more for each student and work with them until they are able to master it on their own. Some goals are about developing social and > read more
I'm Stinky? What?
Published on 2011-03-21 15:42:00
(Repost, as requested) I thought one of my students said, "You are a little stinky." I thought to myself, "What?! I took a shower this morning! How can I smell bad?!" I inconspicuously sniffed my armpits and then asked her to repeat herself. > read more
Weird Things I Thought I Heard
Published on 2011-03-21 05:41:00
When you have a hearing loss, you will often find yourself hearing the strangest things. Here is a short list of weird things I thought I heard: 1. "Watch out for the Mexican drug lords." Actually said: "Watch for it next to the drug s > read more
Finangle? You Must Mean Finagle
Published on 2011-03-19 13:02:00
It is funny how I hear certain words pronounced. Usually, what I hear is wrong, especially if it is a word I don't often hear people use or if I don't see it in print. The other day I was talking to a friend about trying to plan to do something wit > read more
Sound Entering the Cochlea is Like a What?!!
Published on 2011-03-18 05:45:00
Found this under Search Keywords in my Blogger Stats section where I can see what search keywords people typed leading them to this blog. Get a load of this one: 'who said sound entering the cochlea is like a penis entering a china' What?! > read more
Shamrock Stickers + Hearing Aid = Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Published on 2011-03-17 17:15:00
I completely forgot that it was Saint Patrick's Day today and did not wear any green. Other people, mainly students, pointed out the fact that I was not wearing green. This went on all morning as I traveled to different schools and visited differ > read more
Think About How You Like to Learn
Published on 2011-03-17 05:51:00
I recently took a sewing class where I learned to use a sewing machine. I had a really hard time with it and made a lot of mistakes and was slow to understand certain concepts. But, the teacher was very patient and caring and made the process less > read more
Share Your Stories With My Deaf Student!
Published on 2011-03-15 06:08:00
I have a student who is very interested in hearing from others who are deaf or hard hearing (any age). He is especially interested in hearing from those who are currently in 4th grade or of similar age. This student is the one I wrote about who wants > read more
"I Am So Glad That You Have A Hearing Loss"
Published on 2011-03-13 11:40:00
I cannot begin to tell you how appreciative many of my students' parents are about the fact that I am hard of hearing. These parents have told me that they can see the potential in their own children in me. Some have said that they feel that I can un > read more
Games Deaf and HOH People Would Probably Not Enjoy
Published on 2011-03-10 05:28:00
Growing up, like most kids, I participated in various games with friends and in school. Many of them involved the ability to listen. For me, this meant utilizing my better ear with or without my hearing aid. I did not particularly enjoy these types o > read more
Don't Expect D/HH Students to Eagerly Participate in Listening Activities
Published on 2011-03-08 11:31:00
A few days ago, some teachers wondered why a hard of hearing student in their classroom did not seem interested in listening to stories being told on a CD player. I reminded them that while she can hear pretty well with her hearing aid, she still > read more
Asking a Student About His Hearing Aids
Published on 2011-03-06 07:50:00
Q: Why do you sometimes not wear them in the mornings? A: I forget. Q: Are they too loud? A: No Q: Too quiet? A: No Q: Annoying? A: No Q: Are they uncomfortable? A: No, they fee > read more
Why Do You Have A Sign Language Interpreter?
Published on 2011-03-04 05:23:00
I was curious about how a student really feels about sign language and her interpreter, since she does not use or depend on sign language herself. She prefers to listen and talk, which I think is typical for someone with a mild-moderate hearing loss. > read more
Larger Classes Would Not Help
Published on 2011-03-03 05:27:00
With all of the issues with mainstreaming deaf and hard of hearing students I have come across and mentioned here, it would make things worse if the typical class size were to increase by 4 or 5 more students, right? This is what Bill Gates propose > read more
Interpreted Education
Published on 2011-03-02 05:43:00
I came across this term "interpreted education" (http://gupress.gallaudet.edu/reviews/EIrevw2.html). It refers to deaf or hard of hearing students receiving information from their teachers and peers via sign language interpretation. Therefore, > read more
Serious Issue I Have With Interpreters in Mainstream Settings
Published on 2011-03-01 15:31:00
So far, the main issues I have with mainstreaming a deaf or hard of hearing student surround sign language interpreters. From what I have seen and experienced so far, I believe that some students who have interpreters are going to have a tougher tim > read more
She is Just Like Everyone Else
Published on 2011-02-28 18:57:00
I was talking with someone about a student. She commented about how great it is that this student is like everyone else, fully integrated. She spoke about how you could hardly tell that she has a disability or a hearing loss. I smiled and thought to > read more
I Was Mainstreamed
Published on 2011-02-28 05:32:00
I was mainstreamed in a general public school from kindergarten to seventh grade. I loved it. There could not have been a better choice for me at the time, in my opinion. The school I went to had excellent academics. Classes were very small at the > read more
Deaf & HOH Students: To Mainstream Or Not
Published on 2011-02-27 09:13:00
Is it better to mainstream a deaf or hard of hearing child in general education classes or to send him or her to a specialty school for deaf and hard of hearing students, whether they have oral/aural programs, predominately use sign language, u > read more
Possible Future Deaf & HOH Advocate :)
Published on 2011-02-25 13:00:00
Apparently, my consultative visits with a ten year old student have made a strong impact on him and his family. I met with his family recently for an IEP meeting and they told me about how he has been doing a lot of research about deaf and hard of h > read more
Can Hearing Aids Damage Your Hearing?
Published on 2011-02-25 05:43:00
I mentioned in an earlier post that I was told that hearing aids will definitely damage my hearing some more if I keep wearing them. This person suggested that I should stop wearing my hearing aid. This person was not an audiologist or an experienc > read more
Hearing Aids Should Be Covered By Insurance
Published on 2011-02-23 14:46:00
I believe that if someone really wanted hearing aids, she or he can make it a priority to invest a lot of money in good hearing aids, if they can afford to. Don't tell me that you can't afford hearing aids if you can afford to spend $2,000.00 on a > read more
If You Can Drink $5.00 Lattes Everyday, You Can Afford Hearing Aids
Published on 2011-02-22 13:45:00
I once heard someone say that they could not imagine trying to pay for a pair of hearing aids as they typed away on their $2,000.00 laptop while sipping on their $5.00 latte. She complained about how expensive hearing aids are. What?! This person > read more
Reader Needs Help Getting Hearing Aids
Published on 2011-02-22 05:19:00
I have a reader looking for information about how those in need of hearing aids can get them, if they are unable to buy them or afford them. She is wondering if there are organizations in her area, Panama City, Florida, donating or giving away hearin > read more
Don't Believe Everything You Hear
Published on 2011-02-21 05:37:00
I often see ridiculous claims made by people online making them sound uneducated and irrational. It concerns me when other people, who are most likely not educated or fully informed on the issue, believe these claims to be the truth without taking th > read more
Teacher Could Lose Job Because of Blog
Published on 2011-02-17 21:09:00
I am sure some of you have heard the recent news about a teacher who may lose her job for writing about her students in her blog. She described them as being "lazy", "whiny", and "disrespectful loafs" among other things. This made me laugh. I laug > read more
Do You Hear How She Sounds Monotone?
Published on 2011-02-16 15:11:00
I visited a junior high class to see a teacher, because I wanted to drop off some forms for her to sign. But, she was not in. Instead, there was this substitute teacher. I was going to leave, because the person I wanted to see was not there and I d > read more
Sometimes it is Wise to Admit That You Don't Know
Published on 2011-02-15 17:30:00
Someone recently talked to me about a mainstreamed high school student who is moderately-severely deaf, knows sign language, but refuses to sign while at school. The student uses an interpreter, but she will only use her voice when she express > read more
He Needs an Interpreter? But, He Speaks Really Well!
Published on 2011-02-14 18:13:00
Someone said, "You would not think that this person needed an interpreter, because he speaks really well! I was surprised when he requested a sign language interpreter." I asked, "Did he have a mild or moderate hearing loss?" This person respond > read more
My Favorite Sign Language Interpreted Music Videos
Published on 2011-02-13 08:40:00
St0rmfx's "Crazy" by Gnarles Barkley rosaleeshow's "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals ASL Stephen's "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus SongsinSigns' "We Are Who We Are" by Ke$ha CODA Brothers' "Every Rose Has its Thorn" by Poison > read more
My Favorite Music Videos From the 80s and 90s
Published on 2011-02-12 22:11:00
Here are some of my favorite music videos from when I was a kid. I loved these videos because of the interesting visuals, the clothes, fascinating actors and musicians, and pure wackiness and randomness. Some of these videos are hilarious in that the > read more
Being Tired and Stressed Makes it More Difficult to Hear
Published on 2011-02-12 08:05:00
Man, I have been exhausted lately. The meetings, the drama, the tests, the paperwork. . .aack. The other day, I felt so run down. I was having trouble focusing and doing my job. It did not help that everyone else was on edge; snappy and exhausted th > read more
Roadkill Research
Published on 2011-02-09 15:33:00
I am always working with my students on developing research skills. I encourage them to ask a lot of questions and to make the effort to try to find the answers to them using a variety of tools and resources. Even when they find the answers, I conti > read more
What Do Deaf People Do With a Cell Phone?
Published on 2011-02-07 19:18:00
I am sorry, I just had to answer these silly questions typed in the Google search bar that led those who asked to my blog: Question #1: "whats do deaf people do with a cell phone?" My answer: They eat it. Duh! : P Question #2: "can i teach span > read more
Good Example of How Different ASL is From English
Published on 2011-02-07 18:17:00
I really enjoy ASL Stephen's videos where he attempts to interpret music using ASL. He is really, really good. Here is what he put on his YouTube page explaining who he is: I am a 23-year-old overachieving college graduate from Texas Tech Univers > read more
You Can't Have Everything Your Way
Published on 2011-02-06 19:11:00
Dianrez brought up a very important point worth mentioning: Another remark made is "You can't have everything your way. How would everybody else feel if they all had to do things your way?" Yes, people use guilt trips or exaggerate what might hap > read more
Rhinestones + Hearing Aid = Pretty and Painful
Published on 2011-02-06 10:16:00
I put some pretty sparkly heart shaped rhinestones on my hearing aid just for fun and in the spirit of upcoming Valentine's Day. They look pretty, but hurt like a mother trucker! After about twenty minutes, it started to hurt as the plastic rhinest > read more
It is Not About YOU, It is About the Students
Published on 2011-02-05 11:21:00
Dear certain teachers, interpreters, and staff: When I am offering you suggestions or pointing out some serious issues or problems surrounding the deaf or hard of hearing student we work with, I am not doing it to be mean or insulting. When I critic > read more
Fluent Language Important When Teaching the Little Ones
Published on 2011-02-03 13:58:00
When I was a graduate student in a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing program, with non-fluent signing skills, I thought that if I wanted to teach in a school for the deaf, it would be better for me to teach preschoolers or babies. I assumed > read more
You Have to Learn the Rules of the Game
Published on 2011-01-31 16:43:00
I really like this quote by Albert Einstein: “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” It is very important that you learn the "rules of the game" if you want to be successful. No matter whe > read more
Issues I Have With Mainstreaming Deaf & HOH Students
Published on 2011-01-30 10:18:00
During my two years as an itinerant teacher servicing deaf and hard of hearing students I have come across some issues with mainstreaming that concerns me. It is important for me to note that this is based on a public school district in a rural area. > read more
Worried About Neighbors Using Hearing Aids to Spy on You?
Published on 2011-01-26 18:21:00
Someone typed 'neighbours using amplified hearing aid to spy' in the Google search bar which somehow led him or her to this blog (probably because of my earlier posts about funny hearing aid commercials). So, the secret is out! Yes, we have been f > read more
Hilarious Post from Deaf & HOH Teachers Sound Off!
Published on 2011-01-25 19:32:00
This post from Deaf & HOH Teachers Sound Off! made me chuckle. I probably would have laughed too if I was in the same situation. I don't know why the male anatomy is so funny. (e > read more
Great Sites for Practicing Finger Spelling and Numbers
Published on 2011-01-25 17:35:00
I came across these great websites with ASL number and finger spelling quizzes. I used this with a student who is currently learning sign language. She loved it. I recommend visiting the sites if you want to get some receptive practice. Finger Spell > read more
Captions Censor Inappropriate Language
Published on 2011-01-24 20:19:00
I was watching a part in a movie where it was very obvious that the crazed gunman was screaming horrible curse words. I could clearly hear the words. "F*&#k you motherf*&#@%s!!!!!!! Suck my big #%$#!!!! AAAAAAAAHHHH!" It was interesting ho > read more
Abuse and Mistreatment of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Published on 2011-01-22 09:46:00
Jamie Berke asked a good question on her blog post 'Does Being Deaf or Hard of Hearing Encourage Abuse', Why would a deaf or hard of hearing child, even with a deaf or signing parent, be at greater risk for mistreatment? There could be several reas > read more
Having Imperfect Speech, Not the End of the World
Published on 2011-01-21 13:19:00
My speech is not perfect or typical, but it is understandable. I may mispronounce or have trouble clearly saying certain words but I can get my point across effectively through the use of my voice. Most of the comments I get about my speech is that I > read more
"This Make Me Enraged"
Published on 2011-01-20 17:12:00
I was working with a student on finding other words to use than 'angry'. We made a type of word web, circling the word 'angry' and connecting it to other words we can use or synonyms of 'angry'. My student learned that we can use furious, enraged > read more
Great Itinerant Teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Blog
Published on 2011-01-19 19:17:00
I love reading this informative blog about educating deaf and hard of hearing students within a mainstream setting. It has lots of helpful tips about working with D/HH students. I like his most recent post, 'True or False'. It is called Itinerant D > read more
YOU ARE EITHER WITH OR AGAINST THIS SLEEPY KITTY!
Published on 2011-01-19 05:46:00
*In response to a blog post on DeafRead. Related Post: My Response to Certain Issues Being Argued to Death on DeafRead! (e > read more
Helping a 3rd Grader With His Hearing Aids
Published on 2011-01-19 05:21:00
I have a student in the 3rd grade who has a moderate hearing loss, overall. He wears two behind the ear hearing aids. Lately, he hasn't been wearing them in the morning when he comes to school. This morning was one of them. Concerned, I took him fro > read more
Free Smoke Alarms for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hoosiers
Published on 2011-01-18 18:53:00
Apply online for a free smoke alarm! These smoke alarms are supposed to be equipped with strobe lights and bed shakers. However, it looks as if it is only for those who live in Indiana or those who are Hoosiers (residents of Indiana). Link to onli > read more
Treating Hearing Loss Using Supplements, What a Quack
Published on 2011-01-17 14:16:00
I am sure many of you have come across various unconventional treatments for hearing loss advertised on the internet. Hopefully, you would be wary of these advertisers' claims. It would be wise to do your research and to talk to your doctor before de > read more
It Helps if You Listen to the Parents
Published on 2011-01-17 08:34:00
Sometimes professionals can make the mistake of not listening to the parents or caregivers when providing certain care or special services to their child. It helps to simply stop and listen to the parents. I have a great example that involves my ol > read more
What Does it Mean to be Stupid?
Published on 2011-01-12 12:21:00
One time a student let out an exasperated sigh and grumbled, "I'll never get this. I am too stupid for this." He was frustrated after he attempted to solve a math problem several times. I stopped him right there and said, "No, you are not stupid. You > read more
Deaf and Dumb. Acceptable?
Published on 2011-01-11 16:22:00
I am always surprised when I come across recent news articles and blogs using the term 'deaf and dumb'. I am more surprised at how often it happens. I have assumed that most people, especially journalists and professional writers, would know better t > read more
Wait, I Thought This Was the 'Gift Spot'
Published on 2011-01-11 08:09:00
Let's go to the Gift Spot! This made me laugh. I wonder if this was an accident or a prank? *Picture taken by (e(e > read more
Sign Language Tattoo
Published on 2011-01-11 08:01:00
'ILY' tattoo from a young woman interested in becoming an interpreter. Here is a better picture. *Pictures taken by (e. *Please link back if you are going to use these pictures on your website or blog. I would appreciate it! Related Post: Fr > read more
Write in Fun and Creative Ways Using Wordle
Published on 2011-01-09 13:58:00
You can write in fun and artsy ways using a free online program called Wordle. My students love this. It is a great way to encourage writing and using words in creative ways. I like how it appeals to those who are visual learners.I also like how easy > read more
Why Some Families Don't Choose Sign Language
Published on 2011-01-07 05:28:00
From what I have learned so far from working with families with deaf and hard of hearing children is that there are three main reasons why families do not choose to learn and use ASL or sign language with their deaf or hard of hearing babies. 1) It > read more
A Post Worth Reading (from Mel)
Published on 2011-01-05 17:19:00
Hearing parents need support! It is not so easy to just propose one method you think is the best to some hearing parents and expect everything to work out great. It's complicated, as Mel explains here: http://theotherdeafstory.blogspot.com/2011/01 > read more
How a Deaf Signing Student Struggled Due to Lack of Support at Home
Published on 2011-01-05 12:34:00
I had a mainstreamed middle school student: severe-profoundly deaf in both ears, implanted with a unilateral cochlear implant device, whose main mode of communication was sign language. ThIt seemed as if he expressed himself in a way that was clos > read more
How Do We Support Hearing Families Who Choose ASL?
Published on 2011-01-04 18:52:00
Of course I agree that using ASL with your baby, whether they are deaf, hoh, or hearing, can be a great thing. Children need a language base and if parents or caregivers are able to take the time to learn and use ASL with their child consisten > read more
All Deaf & HOH Babies Need ASL First?
Published on 2011-01-04 05:25:00
I wrote about why some deaf people prefer to use sign language. Note that I wrote some, not all. There are some people in America who imply that all deaf and hard of hearing babies who grow up using ASL will be more successful than those who don' > read more
Why Do Some Deaf People Use Sign Language?
Published on 2011-01-03 05:03:00
I like to look at search terms, using the 'Stats' section of Blogger, that people typed in Google leading them to my blog. One of them was a question: "Why is it that when you are deaf you use sign language instead?" For most people it may seem > read more
New Sparkly Stickers + Hearing Aid = Happy New Year!
Published on 2010-12-31 13:50:00
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I wish you all the best for the new year! See you in 2011! (e > read more