Believing in hearing inclusive classrooms
Two weeks ago at the California Audiology Association conference, I was fortunate enough to meet Cora, the ED of Hands & Voices – California Chapter. This is an organization that shares our values and does incredible advocacy on behalf of children with hearing loss. Those familiar with Simeon and our values, know this is one of our most important constituencies and much of our work is in support of Educational Audiologists, the unsung heroes of the accessibility world in schools. Oh by the way, we will celebrate Educational Audiology week later this month and we’re looking forward to a more fulsome celebration of Ed Auds and everything they do to support their students.
Hands & Voices believes in hearing inclusive classrooms and mainstreaming D/HH students whenever possible. That simply means . . . don’t separate them from their friends and neighbors, the ones they play with every day after school. Speaking with Cora, we agreed on some important values for hearing inclusive classrooms:
1. Hearing aids are great but are most effective within a 6′ radius, making classrooms particularly challenging. Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) such as what we at Simeon provide, level the playing field for students with hearing loss.
2. The Simeon Audita III is the only classroom soundfield system that can demonstrate acoustic transparency with manufacturer-specific remote mics – important for the older models of hearing aids and cochlear implants.
3. Auracast is the next technological revolution for hearing accessibility – Cora and I enjoyed catching up on all of the recent Auracast announcements and how it is ready to transform classrooms. Auracast eliminates remote mics, simplifying the hardware needed to make a classroom fully inclusive.
4. Soundfield systems are so important in creating accessibility in classrooms, especially with pass-around mics so students with hearing loss can hear their peers and participate in class discussions. It’s sad to me when students feel left out of the conversation because they can’t hear their fellow classmates or they’re afraid to ask a question for fear that it was already asked a few minutes ago. Having a teacher repeat every question or comment from the class isn’t practical or even nice. The pass-around mics are like “talking sticks”, bringing organization to class discussions and ensuring everyone is included.
In recognition of Hands & Voices and their relentless, parent-driven advocacy in our public schools, Simeon has added a section to our website with a link to their materials. Their values are our values and it only makes sense to recognize their work and the thoughtful materials and information they have created.
Click on the RESOURCES – drop down menu to find Hands & Voices information
– Jason Rude
Simeon President