Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Interpreters, American Sign Language, and Teachers of the Deaf
Jan 26, 2009
Working with special needs students who are deaf or hard of hearing can be profoundly satisfying. It can be very challenging as well. How will an aspiring teacher know if he or she is ready for the large commitment that is undoubtedly required? Mary Buckley, owner of Signs & Smiles in Londonderry, NH shared her insights in a phone interview conducted on January 22, 2009.
A Variety of Teaching Opportunities May Await
Buckley majored in English/Women’s Studies at The College of Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. She describes her eventual deaf studies career as a “meandering journey of discovery.” Beginning by taking an ASL course as a break from the heavy reading and writing requirements present in her regular college-level English classes, her interest in the visual language was quickly peaked. She continued to take nearly every other ASL course available.
Since her school days, Buckley has been able to find a wealth of various opportunities from working with the hearing disabled at a local phone company, to being part of a team of instructors at various learning centers and schools for the deaf. She has also worked as an English to ASL Interpreter for many regular education classes containing individuals who were hard of hearing.
Eventually, Buckley discovered a growing demand among hearing families to learn American Sign Language, and this led her to create her own business (Signs & Smiles) for the purpose of teaching ASL classes to babies, toddlers, and older hearing children.
Big Challenge Facing New ASL Interpreters and Teachers of the Deaf
The toughest part of pursuing a deaf studies career, according to Buckley, is the lack of resources and mentorship. “Deafness is a minority. Although there are many chances for new teachers to learn and find mentors in larger cities, there aren’t too many rural opportunities when one is first starting out,” Buckley noted.
Helping Students with Hearing Loss
Buckley finds that the variety of interpreting and teaching jobs available keeps her challenged and learning constantly. The career is also in very high demand due to low numbers of people entering the field. But mainly, Buckley feels that it is immensely rewarding when she can help students with hearing loss to reach their full potential.
The Expanding Uses of American Sign Language
Most recently, Buckley has discovered another niche for her unique skills - teaching ASL to children with autism and Down Syndrome. “Because these children often have fine motor and communication issues, ASL is an alternative to help them speak more effectively without frustration,” explained Buckley.
After teaching ASL to a struggling student with Down Syndrome, Buckley learned later from the parents that the child was, in fact, hard of hearing and early intervention using ASL helped her to achieve success both academically and socially.
The future for people with hearing loss is ever changing. As technology improves, the possibilities are endless. However, individual hearing abilities can also worsen. When one is considering a career with the deaf and hard of hearing, it is encouraging to remember how urgent the need for highly qualified teachers is. Those who pursue this course of training can provide special needs students with early communication skills so they can face the many challenges of tomorrow.
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