Back to school time is approaching, if your child uses a Cochlear hearing solution and is preparing to start school, these valuable tips from other parents of Cochlear recipients can ensure a smooth transition.
Creating an inclusive classroom for Cochlear recipients involves several key strategies. These Cochlear volunteers who have school age children that are cochlear implant recipients, have walked-the-walk and are ready to talk-the-talk. Teaching your child to be a self-advocate is always important in a classroom because often, you the parent or guardian, typically are not in the room. But how do you do that and what else can you do to set your student up for success for the upcoming school year?
Carrie (Mom to Hannah)
“Hannah is bilateral cochlear implant recipient. Before each school year begins, Hannah and I go into the school and do a training with staff that works with her. I like to ensure each staff member is comfortable with Hannah’s equipment and, they get to meet Hannah at the same time. I have to say, her school goes above and beyond to meet her needs. Having a good team to work with is important.”
Carrie explains, “A game changer for Hannah has been the Cochlear™ True Wireless™ Mini Microphone 2+.” It’s simple to use, the teacher clips it to their shirt near their collarbone. The microphone is paired to the student’s sound processor(s) and it helps to cut out the background noise. It’s a direct connection to the teacher’s voice.
Always consider classroom safety procedures, “Something many people don’t think about is what to do during fire drills or noisy emergency drills. Hannah and her para (a classroom aid) have learned to take the sound processor coils off her head, so the alarms aren’t too loud for her.”
“Hannah’s confidence about her hearing loss has empowered her to present for different groups at school about her equipment and her hearing journey. She recently won an achievement award for teaching others about cochlear implants,” Carrie shares with pride.
Tracy (Mom to Dylan)
“Our school tips have evolved over the years. Dylan began preschool in an all Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Total Communications method school and has evolved to a mainstream elementary, middle and high school.” Tracy goes onto explain their must haves for the school year:
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan in place for classroom accommodations, such as speech therapy, hearing assistive technology, preferential seating, captioning, guided notes and more.
- Spare batteries for his sound processor.
- PSAT/SAT accommodations which could include additional time for the test, larger font on the test booklet or extra breaks. Remember, students must obtain approval from the Student’s with Disabilities (SSD) team prior to taking the SAT with accommodations. It’s essential to check with the SSD team to ensure everything is in place before the test day.
- Regular check-ins with the school district audiologist to ensure optimal hearing performance or do any troubleshooting if necessary.
“We’re so grateful for Dylan’s support team!”
Ashley (Mom to Roxana)
“My top tip is to cultivate a strong relationship with teachers and the school director,” Ashley divulges. This ensures a better understanding of the child’s needs, while regular communication fosters a supportive learning environment.
She continues, “Discuss accommodations such as the student being seated in the front of the class.” When the student is closer to the teacher, this allows them to hear instructions more clearly as well as utilize lip reading, if necessary, facial expressions and body language. Pay attention to what is near their desk and try to avoid distractions from heating/AC systems, overhead vents and windows which might interfere with their ability to hear and focus.
“We always ask multiple times a year if the teacher has any questions or concerns about Roxana’s equipment or hearing.”
By fostering open communication with teachers, advocating for your child’s needs and equipping them with knowledge to troubleshoot any device issues, parents can create a supportive learning environment. Remember it’s never too early to start self-advocacy skills, and modeling independence at home can empower children to confidently navigate the classroom.
Back to school tips from parents who have been there are always beneficial, for additional school age resources for a variety of age ranges, click here.
