A Little Hearing Loss is a Big Thing
Addresses unidentified mild hearing loss, hearing loss due to colds or allergies, unilateral hearing loss, and temporary hearing loss as well as the needs of students with more severe hearing loss. The impact that hearing loss has on the learning, language, communication, and social/emotional development of a child cannot be overstated. Information in this module includes identifying and accommodating for hearing loss, factors to consider when choosing a method of communication for the child and family, using amplification, and providing needed services for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general education faculty and staff, and those needing a refresher or are new to the field of hearing loss.
Accommodations/Modification for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students EC-12th grade
What are accommodations? What are modifications? Are they needed? What are examples of these specific to a student who is Deaf or Hard of Hearing? What are some great ways to communicate the needed accommodations for the student’s environment, instruction, or materials, and/or modifications to curriculum or the measurement of learning for a student who is deaf or hard of hearing? How can the student creatively and proactively be involved in this process? When properly identified and implemented, accommodations and/or modifications may help minimize the communication, social, educational, and emotional impact that many students who are deaf or hard of hearing experience.
Objectives address understanding modifications, accommodations, and creative ways to share information. This short module is intended for general education teachers, sign
Basic Everyday Sign Language for Young Children
Fun and interactive training module discusses the components of sign language, demonstrates basic signs used by young children in their daily routines, provides resources for independent learning, and allows the opportunity to practice signs in a relaxed atmosphere. Target audience: parents of, and those working with, young children who are deaf, hard of hearing or nonverbal, general education faculty and staff, and day care providers.
Classifiers and Technical Topics
How do you use Classifiers to describe technical topics from Atoms to Zygotes? What Classifiers do you use when confronted with a new diagram or graph? These are some of the topics we will explore during this workshop.
Classifiers in Sign Language
People who grow up using an aural language often struggle with how to convey a clear and complete visual message in American Sign Language. This hands-on workshop will provide practice to improve signing skills by focusing on classifiers – signs used to show movement, location and appearance. Depending on the skill level and experience of the audience, participants will work on picture descriptions, English sentences and stories using ASL classifiers. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing, college students.
Cochlear Implants
This presentation covers basic information including how a cochlear implant works, the different kinds of cochlear implants, who may be a candidate for cochlear implantation, surgical procedure, expectations, and the need for extended support for children who have cochlear implants. Information on the cochlear implant debate and the Deaf culture perspective is addressed. Online resources will also be provided. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general education faculty and staff, college students and those needing a refresher or are new to the field of hearing loss.
Deaf Culture
This module is presented by a Deaf adult and provides information about different aspects of Deaf culture and Deaf history. The presenter describes his experiences growing up Deaf with hearing parents, and shares practical information on how to communicate with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Target audience: students who are deaf or hard of hearing, parents, educational interpreters, general education faculty and staff, college students and those needing a refresher or are new to the field of hearing loss.
Discourse and Spatial Mapping
How do you take your message and put it in space in a visual language? In these workshops we will compare how ASL and English users make maps of their messages. We will practice message mapping, interpreting texts and comparing our work with models.
Explaining Hearing Loss to Classmates
This presentation is student-friendly and is intended to help classmates understand how hearing loss and effective communication strategies can help their fellow classmate with hearing loss. It is interactive with student participation as well as an opportunity for Q&A.
Fingerspelling
Fingerspelling is something many teachers, parents and interpreters would like to avoid, yet should not. Fingerspelling is the window to a child’s access to new words and helps develop/improve reading skills. This activity-oriented workshop is designed to introduce participants to techniques for improving receptive and expressive fingerspelling. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, deaf education teachers, and those needing a refresher or are beginning signers.
Fingerspelling Workshop
This is a workshop that looks at fingerspelling research, what should be finger spelled, and the three C’s of fingerspelling. There is also time for practice.
Get Connected - Internet Resources
This is an hour long workshop that provides and shows resources for interpreter practice that can be found on the World Wide Web. An internet connection is required for this workshop.
Idioms and Words with Multiple Meanings
The English language contains many idioms, figures of speech, oxymorons and words with multiple meanings. Signing these words and phrases while remaining conceptually accurate can be a challenge. This training will emphasize the importance of determining what the words or phrases mean within the context of the sentence or conversation in order to convey the message accurately. Participants will have the opportunity to review and practice common idioms, oxymorons and figures of speech. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, deaf education teachers, and those needing a refresher or are beginning signers.
Illinois School for the Deaf Presentation
Discover the Rich History and Impact of the Illinois School for the Deaf, a renowned institution dedicated to providing quality education and support to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Learn about ISD's rich history, its unique educational approach, and the remarkable achievements of its students. Whether you are a parent, educator, or simply interested in learning more about the deaf community, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the Illinois School for the Deaf and its important role in the lives of many.
Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA) and Advocacy
Interpreting Abstract Concepts
Issues in Educational Interpreting: A Facilitated Discussion
In the field of interpreting, there are a multitude of decisions to be made daily. Many of these involve choices that are not clear-cut. This training discusses ethical decision-making using the RID/NAD Code of Professional Conduct as a starting point. While maintaining all confidentiality, this is a facilitated workshop where educational interpreters may freely and openly discuss issues they are currently facing. Target audience: educational interpreters.
Language Development
This module is designed to help parents and professionals begin to understand the causes of language delay due to hearing loss, and to be aware of some techniques for improving language learning. It includes a variety of strategies for teaching language through reading, writing and experiences, offering the opportunity to develop specific activities to enhance language learning. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general education faculty and staff, college students and those needing a refresher or are new to the field of hearing loss.
Learning Differences / Challenges for the Student With Hearing Loss
This presentation will offer information about some of the unique needs, differences, and challenges facing learners with hearing loss. Tips will be shared to address the impact of hearing loss in classroom learning. In addition, tips to target unique challenges facing students with hearing loss plus behavior, sensory, or attention challenges will be provided. This short module is intended for new teachers, regular education teachers, parents, college students, interpreters, and teacher aides.
Listen Up! Auditory Training in the Classroom
This presentation discusses the tasks that students must perform within the realm of auditory training. Information presented will focus on the rationale behind these tasks. Training ideas and resources will be provided and participants will have the opportunity for role playing and practicing these techniques. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general education faculty and staff, college students and those needing a refresher or are new to the field of hearing loss.
Making the Message Visual
As interpreters of a visual language, it is necessary to make our interpretations visually accessible. The children that we work with perceive the world visually. This workshop will address how to make our message more visual. We will look at how Deaf adults make information visual by looking and working with a number of video clips.
Mouth Morphemes
ASL shows adjectives and adverbs on the mouth and lower face. This workshop explores how and when those morphemes are used. We will practice using mouth morphemes when we interpret.
Multiple Disabilities
An estimated 20%-40% of all students with hearing loss have a secondary disabling condition. Because most teachers have not been trained to work with these students, they can present a special challenge. This presentation provides information regarding the various characteristics, behaviors, and learning challenges presented by these students in the classroom setting. The presenters will share some tips for teachers that can be used to enhance learning and provide time for questions and discussion. This module is intended for new teachers, regular education teachers, college students, interpreters and teacher aides and does not discuss specific additional disabilities in depth. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general and deaf education teachers, college students, and those new to the field.
Numbering Systems in American Sign Language
Numbering is more than just signing "1, 2, 3." Numbers are signed differently depending on how they are used in context. This training will explore the various numbering systems used in American Sign Language and how these systems can help students who are deaf or hard of hearing more readily understand a numerical message. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, deaf education teachers, and those needing a refresher or are beginning signers.
Raising Deaf Children
This presentation offers the perspective of a hearing parent who raised two children who are deaf and communicate through the use of sign language. The presenter emphasizes the importance of family involvement in educational and social development. Included are humorous stories illustrating the challenges, struggles, and frustrations as well as the accomplishments and triumpJR/SR of raising children with hearing loss. Parents will identify with the presenter and professionals will develop empathy for the parents experiences as a result of attending this training. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, professionals, college students and support staff.
Reading/Writing for Children with Hearing Loss
Because a little hearing loss is a big thing, learning to read/write is a special challenge to children with hearing loss, even those with mild, temporary or unilateral loss. This module addresses the inherent problems encountered and explores ways to help children connect to print. Strategies are suggested to encourage reading/writing and to create a more comfortable environment for children to learn to read/write. Hands-on tips and techniques are offered, spanning preschool through high school, to maximize the reading/writing experience both for instruction and for pleasure. Reading and writing can be addressed separately or can be expanded to a half-day or full-day workshop. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general and deaf education teachers, college students and those needing a refresher or are new to the field of hearing loss.
Role of the Interpreter in the Educational Setting
Working with an educational interpreter is a new experience for most teachers, coaches, therapists, and support personnel. The questions addressed include: What is the role of the educational interpreter? What can they be expected to know? Who decides what sign system to use? What are the responsibilities of school personnel, the educational interpreter, and the student? How does the interpreter fit in as part of the educational team? Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, deaf and general education teachers, and any other staff who works with an educational interpreter.
Signing for Sporting Events (Sports Signs)
Interpreting for sporting events can be challenging! Who is the interpreter working for . . . the student or the coach? Where should the interpreter stand? How does the interpreter sign words with double meanings, or the same word used in different sports? These questions, and more, will be answered in this training module. Vocabulary for specific sports will be taught including signs used when playing volleyball, basketball, football, baseball, soccer and wresting. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general and deaf education teachers, coaches, and college students.
Socialization Skills
Because of delayed language skills and fewer opportunities for incidental learning, social skills don’t just happen for students with hearing loss. Even mild hearing loss can delay the development of social skills. Ways of approaching socialization and social skills training will be discussed. Thoughts for achieving social inclusion in a variety of settings are offered, including community activities, school activities, peer groups, recreation opportunities, etc. The value of a mentor or role model who is deaf or hard of hearing is discussed. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general and deaf education faculty and staff, college students and those needing a refresher or are new to the field of hearing loss.
Special Education Rights
This training is taught by the parent of a child with hearing loss. The presenter will share information about parent’s rights in today’s education system and how to advocate appropriately for needed services. Parents will leave the session better prepared to participate in their child’s IEP meeting as an active team member. Professionals who attend this training will learn about parent’s rights and gain insight into the parent perspective. Target audience: parents, general and deaf education faculty and staff, and college students.
Test Preparation
Taking this workshop will help to prepare you to test. It can be followed up with an online workshop that focuses on skill building. This workshop will cover the structure of the two available tests, what those tests are measuring, scaffolding and discourse mapping, and relaxation techniques.
Theory of Mind (ToM)
Theory of Mind, often referred to in the literature as ToM, is the ability to understand how other people think and feel. It includes the ability to infer other people’s thoughts, beliefs, desires, intentions, etc., which is information used to interpret what they say, make sense of how they act and predict what they will do next. Children with hearing loss sometimes demonstrate delays in developing ToM, which may impact their ability to form relationships. This presentation will examine behaviors and characteristics of children who experience deficits in ToM and the skills required to develop a mature ToM. Real life examples will be shared as well as practical ideas for helping children to develop the skills necessary to maintain meaningful relationships. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general and deaf education teachers and staff, and college students.
TherAPPy Tools for Individuals with Hearing Loss (iPad apps)
Smartphones, tablets and apps are being used in education with increasing frequency as TherAPPy tools. The motto, "There’s an App for that!" holds true for technology that provides accessibility such as captioning and video conferencing, measuring loudness levels in different environments, activities for speech, language and auditory training and also learning sign language. This training provides an overview of how to leverage touch technology, what features are needed when working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as a sampling of apps and where to find free and discounted apps. Target audience: parents, general and deaf education teachers, and college students.
Transition: School to Community
This training assists parents and professionals involved in the education of students who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand transition planning in the educational process. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the laws relating to transition planning and the major components of a strong transition program. Target audience: parents, general and deaf education teachers, and college students.
Working with Students with Hearing Loss and Additional Disabilities
An estimated 20%-40% of all students with hearing loss have a secondary disabling condition. Because most teachers have not been trained to work with these students, they can present a special challenge. This presentation provides information regarding the various characteristics, behaviors, and learning challenges presented by these students in the classroom setting. The presenters will share some tips for teachers that can be used to enhance learning and provide time for questions and discussion. This module is intended for new teachers, regular education teachers, college students, interpreters and teacher aides and does not discuss specific additional disabilities in depth. Target audience: parents, educational interpreters, general and deaf education teachers, college students, and those new to the field.