In creating academic success and access for students with hearing and vision impairments, teachers can try different approaches in instruction to make academic content come alive in the classroom. The following approaches can be explored to show how a simple math lesson on solving an algebraic expression can guarantee an effective learning outcome for students with disabilities that require extra support to make lessons visual and explanations auditory.
- 1st Approach: For visual learners, teachers can use the overhead or document camera to create visual acuity of written instructions and materials that may include pictures and numerical expression to show the components of the problem. Visual learners can create their own visual process by using graphing paper to show process and outcome of the solution. For students with auditory impairments, the teacher can have amplification systems installed in the classroom to amplify his/her voice when giving directions and instructions on the math problem. Students can also work in collaborative groupings and read the problem out loud for hearing impaired classmates.
- 2nd Approach: Providing students with multiple examples of algebraic problems to solve that start with beginning problem solving to more complexed problem processing could open up a world of learning applications for students needing a diversity of methods to problem solve. Students with hearing difficulties can be allowed to verbalize their process and problem outcome, whereas visual impaired students can use different writing mediums to display what they know in words and pictures. Presenting the problem in Braille can further provide learning opportunities for visually impaired students to excel in math and other academic areas.
- 3rd Approach: For both visual and hearing impaired students, a teacher can bring out the manipulatives for performance based assessment that allows them to show process and response.
Irrespective of which approach is used to differentiate instruction for students with hearing and vision impairments, teachers must provide multiple methods of instruction to support students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) designed to promote their academic and mathematical success.