1. Demonstrate construction of a knowledge base of types of sign language systems and AAC. (Augmentative and Alternative Communication = AAC)
    
2. List the 3 major types of communication disorders.
    
3. List the 3 types of hearing loss. 
    
4. List and define types of equipment used to identify and/or instruct students for whom sign language is a primary/secondary mode of communication.
    
5. Discuss the importance of functional hearing and functional systems of communication (AAC and sign language systems) in the overall education of a student and the impact on total quality of life.
    
6. Use common adaptations and instructional strategies to understand roles and responsibilities of related service providers: audiologist, interpreter and speech and language therapist to create sections of an IEP relevant to a case study involving a student who utilizes sign language in his/her least restrictive environment of educational placement.

1. Visit the following web sites:

• Laws/Rules/Interpretations at the IN Division of Exceptional Learners provides access to NCLB, IDEA 2004 and IN Article 7 Annotated as well as other pertinent legislation at the state and federal level.
• ALSO - Check out Module #9 Individual Educational Plans on the IDEALindiana website.

2. Answer the accompanying questions in a journal. The journal is an artifact of your level of performance in this module.
    
   • What are sign language/AAC systems and what are the most relevant characteristics of each?

• What are the major indicators for referral for audiometric evaluation (hearing testing)?

• What are the four major types of hearing loss?

• What are the levels of hearing loss?

• What impact can loss of hearing have on a student's educational performance?

• What impact does lack of a functional communication system have on a student?

• Why should sign language systems and/or AAC be considered for students with a variety of disabilities NOT related to hearing impairment? What considerations should be used as a guideline?

• Where should the issue of student's mode of communication be addressed in the IEP process?

• What are the 3 major types of communication disorders?

• What are the roles and responsibilities of related services providers:

3. The following resources are designed to assist in completing Section 2 assignments:

•  Sign Language: Meeting Diverse Needs in the Classroom
   
• Use of sign language & fingerspelling with students without hearing loss

• Sign Language and Students with Autism

• ASL v PECS and Students with Autism

• Sign Language & Music

• Animated American Sign Language Dictionary Read the brief history of sign language and FAQ.

• Signed Speech or Simultaneous Communications

• Resources for parents of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing

• A Basic Dictionary of ASL Terms See the first ASL Dictionary being made available to Internet users.

• This site takes time to load Hear My Hands, Inc. Check out a non-profit organization that produces film and video projects in American Sign Language. Requires QuickTime in order to see and hear sample video clips. Many additional links in the Other Great Links section.

• AAC Glossary, Augmentative and Alternative Communications Print out the AAC Glossary for your reference file. 

• Methods of Communicating With the Deaf  Introduction to a variety of methods and why they were developed.

• Tour of the Ear - Click on the following boxes in the site map: Outer Ear, Middle Ear, Inner Ear to view and read the brief summary. An awesome site for anatomy of hearing mechanism.

• Instructional Strategies & Hearing Impairments - Click on Faculty Guide and Instructional Strategies in left hand menu box. Click on Disability and Instructional Strategies in the left hand menu box. Scroll down to Sign Language Interpreters and Real Time Captioning. Scroll down to bottom and click on Hearing Impairments. 

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication - ERIC bibliography on augmentative and alternative communication (Type Augmentative Alternative Communication in Bibliographies search box OR Click on alphabetical link and then click on Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

• Deafness - Clerc Center at Gallaudet

• RIT Libraries - Subject-Based Internet Resources.
  Deaf and Hearing Table of Contents

• Cued Speech website

• Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) examples of technology devices

• American Speech and Hearing Association website- accessible to public

• How Hearing and Balance Work

• Assistive Learning Devices

• Hearing Loss Resources

• Hearing Screening

• What is an Audiologist?

• Basic Foundations For Communication Disorders

•  About.com Deafness Resources for classroom teachers 

• Opening Doors: Technology and Communication Options for Children with Hearing Loss

• Policy Letter Services to students who are deaf

• Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center Very comprehensive site for information on Deafness
  
  
• Info To Go - Scroll through this section to the following headings: "Education", "Especially for Children and their Teachers", "Publications of Special Interests" then explore other headings of interest.

• Information about Deafness and Hearing Loss for Kids

• Leiden Sign Phonology Group

• ASHA Topic Index-you can access those that indicate public, but not items labeled members only.  
• Cochlear Implants

• Hearing aid information on ASHA website

• A website for youth with information about hearing loss.

• Keys to English and Print:  Phonics, Signs, Cued Speech, Finger Spelling & Other Learning Strategies 

• Follow the sound waves on their way through the ear 

• AAC Intervention.com- Check out: Communication Boards, Activity Ideas, and Where do I begin with AAC?  Also, check out Early Intervention in AAC or Alternative Input Devices or Alternative Keyboards and Accessories

• John Tracy Clinic-Click on Resources & Links on the menu and then Frequently Asked Questions.  Also, Click on Links for more good resources

• YAACK- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Connecting Young Kids (YAACK) covers issues related to AAC and young children.
   
• People with Special Needs- Apple Computers Accessibility Information

4. Explore the following resources and learn how sign language has been utilized with students without hearing impairments. Write a brief summary of ways sign language has been a consideration for students without hearing impairments.

5. If you are part of a course with online project group assignments, meet with your online group to collaborate on journal entries and begin formatting consensus data for final product/presentation. Consensus data will come from readings, module questions and case study framework.

1. Evidence of exploration of state and federal legislation with emphasis on use of sign language, augmentative and alternative communication and assistive technology for students with and without hearing impairments.
    
2. Evidence of exploration of suggested resources to provide correct answers to questions posed written in a personal journal and evidence of brief summary of use of sign language with children without hearing impairments. 

Collaborative product meets instructor requirements if you are working in an assigned group project.