Physical
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Hearing Impairment
Hearing loss is described as slight, mild, moderate, severe, or profound, depending on how well an individual can hear intensity, frequency, or pitch. Impairment can occur in one ear or both. Below are some tips to help make your desired activity more engaging and effective.
Listen: For activities that require listening, remember that every individual that is hard of hearing has their own level of hearing loss. It is important that this is communicated with you prior to beginning an activity. Once this communication occurs, consider using pitches and tones that are in the frequency range of which the individual can hear. If the audience member(s) has no hearing capabilities, consider using touch and visual color schemes to describe sound in your presentation.
Talk: For activities that require talking, consider other forms of communication such as in writing or drawing. Not all individuals with hearing impairments can speak or may have an alternative method of communication. Adjust any talking activities to include their method or a method they are capable of.
Create: For activities that require creating, specifically those that include having to listen to an excerpt of music and putting together several segments of music, consider assigning each segment a color and have the audience member(s) distinguish which colors go together in relation to the music. Consider using more activities that include movement as a means of expression so that the audience member(s) can feel they are engaging in the activity.
Visual Impairment
Visual Impairment is the loss of vision that cannot be corrected to normal vision, even when the individual is wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Below are some tips to help make your desired activity more engaging and effective.
Listen: For activities that require listening, consider using a variety of sounds, rhythms, and tones. Give instructions to activities that require listening clearly. Give instructions clearly and slowly so that the audience member(s) feel that they can follow the activity as well as anyone else.
Create: For activities that require creating, consider verbalizing instructions rather than using gestures. Try to stick to activities that require other senses such as sense of touch and hearing. For example, lean towards engaging in activities that require the audience member(s) to touch instruments while they are being played etc.
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Gilma M. Somarriba
B.A. in Psychology Florida International University
M.S. in Educational Psychology/Learning & Cognition with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder Florida State University
Registered Behavior Therapist licensed by Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)