Bridging communication within the mainstream

This workshop is intended for hearing professionals who frequently work together within the mainstream to meet the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students as established throughout the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The target audience includes classroom teachers, itinerant teachers of the deaf and hard-of-hearing, and administrators of schools K-12. The development of this workshop began with a review of research relating to the roles of these professionals, communication accommodations for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and communication considerations of parents with deaf or hard-of-hearing children. The workshop spans three days, and incorporates a range of activities including deafness simulation, role play, lectures, and group discussions. Interviews held with teachers currently working throughout the mainstream provided additional insight regarding communication conflicts and their possible resolution within this type of educational environment. Assessment of the curriculum design was performed by conducting a mini-workshop with professionals from the field of deaf education. These professionals then provided ratings and responded to open-ended questions regarding the effectiveness of each activity. The goal of this workshop is to provide instructional strategies for effective communication practices and accommodations within the mainstream that includes recommendations for implementation. The critical need for effective communication throughout the mainstream is not only explained to the target audience, but it is demonstrated to them and experienced by them as well