Introductory Letter for Your Deaf/HOH Child's Teacher or Counselor

The following is a sample letter that was used to introduce my child to her mainstream camp counselors and staff this summer. It served to remind them that she had special needs and would require some effort on their part for her to be completely included. It can be modified for teachers, coaches, caregivers or just about anyone you can think of. Special thanks to my daughter's Teacher of the Deaf, Erica Axelrod, for her permission to reprint this here.

Dear Staff Member,

            This is to inform you that one of your campers/students, _______________, is hearing impaired. Our goal for _________ is to have a fun and exciting summer/ productive school year while developing her self-esteem and confidence. Here are some recommended suggestions to help achieve these goals: 

          When communicating with ________ get her attention first, make sure she is facing you and talk clearly from a nearby position. Do not turn or walk away while speaking to her.

Avoid speaking loudly or exaggerating your lip movements. Use natural speech at her language level.

Avoid covering your face with your hands or other objects while talking. Do not chew gum, food or have candy in your mouth.

        Obtain frequent feedback from _________ to be sure she understands what is being said. She will not always realize if she did not hear something.

        Do not just repeat. Restate or rephrase using easier vocabulary if _________ does not understand.

        Encourage daily participation from ________ to increase self-confidence and to reinforce the language and vocabulary.

        Hearing impaired children do not pick up on incidental language, they simply do not overhear conversations. Don't take for granted what you think _________ might know or has heard.

        __________'s hearing aids/cochlear implant are/is very important and need to be worn at all times. (She has waterproof aids for swimming.) I will teach you how to put on and take off her aids. It will also be helpful to send home copies of any camp/school songs or plays that will be taught during camp/school. _________ will then be able to practice them at home.

        I will be at the camp/school daily/regularly and I will meet with you to check on _________'s progress and answer any questions you might have. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time

                            I look forward to meeting you,

                                    signed________________

                                    Teacher of the Deaf

                                    Phone:

                                    Cell:

                                    Pager:

                                    Email: