So it’s time to start college… What comes first?
Well, if you’re hard of hearing or hearing-impaired, there are some considerations you should take to ensure you set yourself up for success.
The nice thing about higher education facilities in the United States is that they’re generally required to accommodate needs such as hearing-impaired assistance. You have options when it comes to choosing your ideal school, from those that are especially meant for students who have suffered hearing loss to schools that immerse hard-of-hearing students into a diverse student body. There’s an ideal situation for you, whether you’re interested in an enrollment comprised of hearing-impaired peers or diverse levels of hearing. Either way, make sure to contact your school of choice to determine what it provides in terms of services and support.
No matter what school you choose, there are financial-aid options in play for you as a hard-of-hearing college student. Nationally focused groups and funds are designed to offer scholarships to students in need. Each scholarship has different parameters and requirements, so make sure you find one that fits your specific level of impairment. Groups like Sertoma and the Alexander Graham Bell Association are just examples of organizations that offer scholarships to hard-of-hearing students.
If you’ve contacted your prospective school of choice, you’re well aware of the support services it provides. Now it’s just a matter of securing the assistance that you need in the classroom, from signing interpreters to writing assistance. Get in touch with the administration at your college or university to find out who is in charge of making sure the school complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
It’s not just the administration and support staff you should get in touch with ahead of time – it’s important to start conversations with your future professors and teachers before the school year begins. Let them know how they can better serve you during lectures and in the classroom by facing you when speaking or making use of audio-enhancement equipment.
The power is in your hands to make your post-secondary education a reality. Choose the most important factors you look for in a college or university and figure out the ideal situation for your learning.
Sources: CollegeScholarships.org