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Module 5: Accommodations for Communication Difficulties

Working in the Lab or Field

When educators work in the lab or in the field, they may be carrying out experiments or studies themselves (to test a procedure or to demonstrate to students), or they may be supervising their students in the performance of these activities. Educators must be able to access lab or field work areas, make observations, use measuring devices, and manipulate or control laboratory equipment. All of these tasks must be performed in a safe environment.

Educators who are hard of hearing or deaf may find it difficult or impossible to make auditory observations -- both of individual work and the overall monitoring of a class. Instruments or equipment that provide auditory alerts will be difficult to use. For people with communication-related impairments, spoken communication may not be as quick or understandable as is needed for safety-related situations.

Accommodation options may include:

General:

• Maintain a clear line of sight around the lab.
  A clear line of sight between the teacher, students, and areas that must be monitored will facilitate the use of visual cues.
• Provide written instructions; have a student read them to the class.
  Make sure instructions are presented clearly to students to avoid misunderstandings.
• Use equipment that provides volume control on auditory outputs.
  
• Use equipment / alarm systems that provide visual outputs and alerts.
  For example, the buzzer from emergency alarms are often supplemented with a strobe light.