Students with newly-diagnosed manual disabilities most likely will experience a transitional period during which dictation skills and other adaptations will need to be learned. The student and faculty member should discuss the impact of this on the course. Hearing disabilities Access to the spoken word is problematic for persons who are deaf or have hearing impairments. For them, English is, and will always be, a second language. Students who do use sign language will rely primarily on an interpreter in class.
Interpreters are helpful only to a small number of persons with hearing disabilities.
Interpreters may be requested, depending on the need and circumstances. For those who are deaf or have hearing impairments and do not use sign language, an interpreter serves a different purpose. An oral interpreter mouthing the words in front of the student keeps the student involved with the class and with students who are talking from positions behind the student. An assistive listening device may be sufficient for a student with a hearing impairment who is not deaf. Lip reading is not always an option for students who are deaf or have hearing impairments, although many do read lips to some extent.