Tool #13 Tell People what you need

Tell People what you need

Tool 13

Tell People what you Need

Telling people what you need is the final tool in the series. Now that the student understands the tool and when to use them they have to actually TAKE ACTION in the classroom! 

While a student with hearing loss looks like every other student in the classroom- they also want to BE like everyone else as well. Admitting that you need an accommodations or assistance is extremely difficult for many students. 

AB frustrating and difficult as it may be for the person with the hearing loss- they must find the strength to tell the people what they need. 

In the early grades, Parents and Hearing Itinerants meet with teachers and go over all the accommodations, modifications and effects of hearing loss in a mainstream classroom. As the student progresses through the grade levels that responsibility must shift from adults in the child's life to the child themselves. 

Phase 1

Young children are just learning all the tools and what they need for successful communication. Before a child can ask for what they need, they need to KNOW what they need. Teachers and parents see the child in "teachable moments" Adults can point out the correct tool to use in each communication setting. 

Phase 2

By Middle School, the student should have a good grasp of the tools and know WHEN to implement each tool. Middle school students should be starting to implement the 13 tools at appropriate times independently. 

Phase 3

High schools offer support for students with hearing loss. However, by Junior High and entering High School students need to independently be telling people what they n􀂺ed. The ultimate goal is for students to leave High School independently advocating for their needs. It is ironic that Itinerant Teachers know they have been successful when their students no longer "need" them! 

Show what you Know!!!