SLIDE 1
DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM

SLIDE 2
DEFINING DEAFNESS
•	Deaf Auslan users
•	Hard of hearing – Hearing aid users, cochlear implants
•	Combination of communication – Auslan and speech
•	Preference – Some prefer Auslan, some captioning, some sound 
•	No one is the same, all will have their own preferences

SLIDE 3
WHY TECHNOLOGY – WHAT WOULD I KNOW?
•	Deaf since age 8, experienced university and education at at time when NO SUPPORT was funded – I get what it means to have NO ACCESS
•	Worked in a regional area for ten years – The cost is triple, even quadruple what it is in the burbs – Needed to find cost effective ways.
•	Internet and mobile technology a boon – BUT unless you know your stuff can be frustrating.
•	REMEMBER ACCESS IS COMULSORY NOT AN OPTION

SLIDE 4
THE CLASSROOM
•	Is not fixed – Lecture, breakouts, workshops, discussion oriented etc etc
•	Participant inclusion enhanced from having access to instruction and PEER learning
•	Demands flexibility and innovation to ensure access.

SLIDE 5
Auslan VIA VRI
•	VRI – Video relay interpreting 
•	Different Platforms – SKYPE, Gotomeeting etc
•	Delivered to a computer or mobile device.
•	Needs Internet – fast and reliable
•	Obviously a good webcam
•	Good and reliable audio feed.

SLIDE 6
VRI SCOPE
•	Fixed computer/laptop
•	Mobile device
•	One on one or groups
•	More than one deaf person – Data projector to screen
•	Straight lecture, or group discussions using mobile devices
•	Can be used outside with 4G but quality variable.
•	Drop outs CAN happen .. We need NBN!!!!

SLIDE 7
LIVE REMOTE CAPTIONING - LRC Captioning 
•	Captioning can have an onsite stenographer or be delivered remotely
•	Mostly through Skype and Gotomeeting
•	Data Projector to screen
•	Needs good and reliable internet
•	Needs good and reliable Audio 

SLIDE 8
LRC CAPTIONING SCOPE
•	Fixed computer
•	One on one or groups
•	More than one deaf person – Data projector to screen
•	Straight lecture, or group discussions using mobile devices
•	Can be used outside with 4G but quality variable.
•	Drop outs CAN happen .. We need NBN!!!!

SLIDE 9
PREPARATION IS YOUR KEY
•	TEST TEST AND TEST AGAIN
•	Check Internet
•	Check Audio –
•	Have a trial run
•	Give captioner and interpreter prep material
•	Source a separate screen
•	Look at how the session will run – Straight lecture, break outs etc etc … Work out logistics.
•	Technology will let you down sometimes – have a plan B (easier said than done – But try!)

SLIDE 10
The SOUND SYSTEM
•	Effectiveness is dependent on good audio and planning
•	Modern teaching facilities often have great soundfield systems – These help VRI and LRC immensely – Check what’s available
•	If not look at what is needed – Microphones etc
•	Set group rules – tendency is for everyone to talk at once … Really this helps no one.
•	When no sound system is available – THERE IS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION!

SLIDE 11
THE ROGER PEN
•	What it is –
•	Setting the scene
•	What is needed
•	How it can help
•	Contact Word of Mouth for advise – 

http://wom.com.au/ 

SLIDE 12
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES (ALD’s)
•	Some people like to listen while receiving captioning or Auslan interpreting.
•	Some just like to listen

SLIDE 13
FM SYSTEMS
•	Basic FM System – Speaker has microphone listener the receiver
•	Provides an effective amplification and cuts out background noise.
•	Limited in group situations

SLIDE 14
BLUETOOTH SYSTEMS
•	Essentially still an FM system but has Bluetooth?
•	Bluetooth means external microphones can give access to group situations
•	Includes Roger Pens and Inspiro
•	Not always user friendly, take time to learn
•	Depending on how many external microphones are available takes some coordination

SLIDE 15
T LOOP SYSTEMS
•	Requires hearing loop installation
•	Requires T-switch on hearing aid – Becoming less common/obsolete
•	Generally can only hear presenter unless there are roving microphones
•	Bluetooth and Soundfield is making such systems almost obsolete
•	Maintenance is troublesome and expensive
•	Often not turned on or not working 

SLIDE 16
SOUNDFIELD AMPLICATION
•	Ensures volume and clarity of speaker is the same throughout the room.
•	Helps some people with a hearing loss and also hearing people
•	Useful when a room has seats with own individual microphone
•	Volume is consistent may not be as useful for people with more profound hearing losses
•	No special adjustments required
•	Helps with VRI and Live Remote Captioning

SLIDE 17
KEY POINTERS
•	Each person is different
•	Some may like a combination of solutions
•	Good reliable internet and audio are crucial for VRI and LRC success
•	Explore instruction method in detail to identify areas that need targeting ..Eg group work, activities, going outside
•	You may not solve every communication problem but you can improve inclusion and access
•	Cannot emphasise enough the need to trial and test beforehand
•	ALD are good – But usefulness varies depending on hearing loss
•	4G can work – But only as a last resort (Eg field work)

SLIDE 18
CONTACT DETAILS

Gary Kerridge
National Disability Coordination Officer
Equity and Diversity, Equity and Diversity
gary.kerridge@deakin.edu.au