Supporting deaf education during the Coronavirus pandemic – resources from BATOD members and partners
Thank you to BATOD members and our professional peers for the resources and/or signposting to resources to support parents and colleagues during this unique period.
New content
NDCS coronavirus blogs – updates (December 2020)
NDCS announced “we have made a few updates/additions to our live coronavirus blogs.
1) We have updated our blogs on exams with the latest information on plans for exams in summer 2021
Exams – blog for professionals
Exams – blog for parents
2) We have developed two short videos/vlogs for parents on their rights in education. Links to these have been added to our education blog for parents
Face masks – vlog
Changes to education support – vlog
Schools and other education settings – blog for parents
3) We have updated a resource on making resources accessible, and added this to our education blog for professionals
How to make resources accessible to deaf children and young people – updated resource
Education – blog for professionals
4) We have produced a PDF version of our deaf friendly remote teaching checklist blog for teachers. This PDF version can be handed out, as appropriate.
Deaf friendly remote teaching checklist – PDF handout
Deaf friendly remote teaching checklist – blog
For reference, our full list of live coronavirus blogs for families and professionals can be found below. We do our best to update these as quickly as possible as needed. As always, any feedback on these blogs and these updates will be very helpful.
Parents
Information about coronavirus (COVID-19) – including information in BSL
Schools and other education settings
Moving on from school or college
Audiology services and hearing care at home
How to support your child and keep them safe online
Professionals
Education (including information about school re-openings, handling radio aids and remote support)
Deaf friendly remote teaching checklist“
Contributions from Conor Mervyn (BATOD NEC and BATOD NI committee member, member of the D/deaf Teacher of the Deaf Group)
Signposting for supporting mainstream teachers with a hearing loss (congenital or acquired/sudden onset):
Articles written by deaf professionals about using online platforms for meetings if you need to raise awareness amongst colleagues via the deaf awareness website – Limping Chicken www.limpingchicken.com
Tips for working remotely online if you are deaf with BSL videos https://limpingchicken.com/2020/03/23/jo-wooten-tips-for-working-remotely-when-youre-deaf-with-bsl-videos/
Tips for using remote captioning and other useful resources for deaf people https://limpingchicken.com/2020/04/17/jo-wootten-captioning-remote-meetings-and-other-useful-resources-for-deaf-people/
An article on Zoom concentration fatigue from a deaf perspective: https://qz.com/1855404/zoom-fatigue-is-something-the-deaf-community-knows-very-well/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
Microsoft Accessibility: https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/accessibility?rtc=1&fbclid=IwAR3r4BdXPLaz2W8ph4See_l3P2iBsr1x9ZPR7Je76TSSUTXzM-qdvLvnw8c to support teachers with hearing loss or additional needs in improving accessibility on platforms such as Microsoft Teams etc.
If mainstream teachers find it difficult to hear pupils due to classroom noise levels, in case anyone needs a visual resource to monitor classroom noise, check out the link https://bouncyballs.org/
Information about the D/deaf Teachers of the Deaf website:
There is a Facebook page that you should find easily enough, which is UK-wide and is open to mainstream teachers with a hearing loss/deafness. It is a support forum to meet peers with deafness/hearing loss. https://deafteachers.co.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/243779066778722/?ref=share
There is a Northern Ireland Teachers with hearing loss Facebook group too which may be relevant to your colleagues.
Action on Hearing Loss (This project is specific to Northern Ireland only)
Action on Hearing Loss has provided support to mainstream teachers with hearing loss and are able to do so via the workable programme (see link). Mainstream colleagues would be able to apply for Access to Work if criteria is met see link below.
Access to Work information: https://actiononhearingloss.org.uk/information-and-support/benefits/access-to-work/
Action on Hearing Loss workable programme Northern Ireland: https://actiononhearingloss.org.uk/information-and-support/local-support-services/get-help-with-finding-a-job/workable-programme-in-northern-ireland/?fbclid=IwAR2WdK2TYD587FwCbUDAY_vPiDulmT8Ag5iSWkutPv6-CofxuYgL5Dv9zyE
Teacher wakes up with hearing loss and receives support from Action on Hearing Loss
Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
The Education Authority Equality Unit has information for mainstream schools (probably more relevant for the NAHT NI) for schools wishing to book sign language interpreters to communicate with deaf parents who are sign language users (BSL or ISL)
https://www.eani.org.uk/about-us/equality – How to contact the EA to request BSL or ISL interpretation
https://www.eani.org.uk/sign-language-videos – Sign Language videos to signpost for parents if needed.
The Education Authority (Equality Unit) has created a series of videos with BSL and ISL translation for deaf parents. This series of videos has been created to help parents, particularly newcomer families who may be refugee-experienced, with issues they may encounter when their children first attend school and throughout their education. Although all children and young people and parents would find them useful.
To watch the videos ISL/BSL
Education Authority Information on restart section of website – click on the link and scroll for SEN to get more information on advice and guidance for mainstream teachers supporting pupils with SEN. https://www.eani.org.uk/information-for-educational-settings
Contributions from the Assistive Listening Technology Group
BATOD & UK Assistive Listening Technology Working Group
BATOD and the UK Assistive Listening Technology Working Group have published this document which summarises care and maintenance of equipment, including radio aids, but signposts to manufacturers and other websites for the latest information.
Cleaning hearing devices and radio aids – supporting health and safety during Covid-19 v5
Contributions from BATOD webinars
National webinar (Nov 2020)
The accessible recording of the first BATOD National webinar is now available. The webinar features the two keynote speakers: Dr Helen Willis and international speaker, Emmie Wienhoven.
Dr Helen Willis – The future for the cyborg generations: Helping CI users live in harmony with their technology
Emmie Wienhoven, Project Manager International Knowlede Exchange, Royal Dutch Kentalis. –Literacy for Deaf and hard of hearing children in Uganda and Tanzania.
The recording of the webinar is now available here: https://youtu.be/IUlL2LPfoUg. Links to the Padlets (that include the Keynotes’ presentations and other materials) have been added to the video description.
Thank you to BATOD National Conference committee, our sponsors and RedBee Media.
Midlands and University of Birmingham (Nov 2020)
The University of Birmingham, with support from BATOD Midland, as part of the Festival of Social Science delivered the webinar ‘Switched on for sound: how one device changed deaf children’s lives forever’. Dr Emmanouela Terlektsi, Senior Lecturer in Deaf Education at the University of Birmingham gave permission for her presentation to be shared – https://www.batod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ESRC_13.11.2020_FINAL.pdf. The recording of the event can be found here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UCQEsEJexM&list=PL5TjiPIpilP9js50AOPVL8oumy4A7Ov_1&index=14
Contributions from Delyth Crook- Educational Audiologist and QToD, member of BATOD East committe
Potential template for use by others:
- Guidance for collecting equipment from and returning equipment to colleagues https://www.batod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Guidance-for-collecting-equipment-from-and-returning-equipment-to-colleagues-Norfolk-Virtual-Service.docx
- Audiology and face to face visits https://www.batod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Audiology-and-face-to-face-visits-Norfolk-Virtual-Service.docx
Contributions from NDCS
As there are so many different products the NDCS are unable to make videos for each products so they created the following library of video tutorials from each manufacturer and published them as playlists on their YouTube channel.
Reminder – NDCS shared these links via one of their lockdown/home-schooling blogs. https://www.ndcs.org.uk/information-and-support/technology-for-deaf-children-and-young-people/how-technology-helps/top-tips-for-troubleshooting-technology/
Resources shared during the 2020 summer term
For further information contact Julie by email julie.graham@actiondeafyouth.org or text on 07563 912687
BATOD & UK Assistive Listening Technology Working Group
BATOD and the UK Assistive Listening Technology Working Group have published this document which summarises care and maintenance of equipment, including radio aids, but signposts to manufacturers and other websites for the latest information.
Cleaning hearing devices and radio aids – supporting health and safety during Covid-19 v5
BATOD North (England) delivered a webinar on 4 June 2020. The link for the recorded to view format is available below.
This webinar is the first in a series of webinars that will be produced across the BATOD nations and regions. BATOD is committed and robustly clear about accessibility for our live events or meetings. In the current Covid-19 situation where webinars and remote meetings are becoming the norm, we recognise there is much to learn about the various video platforms, particularly with regards to application and visibility of BSL interpreters and captioning. We welcome feedback, suggestions, signposting, tips for making sure accessibility is provided on the various video platforms, both for live webinars and recorded to view post live event, particularly from our members who have knowledge and skills in this area. Please contact batod_aneo@icloud.com
BATOD has shared this link which you should be able to view straight after registration.
Topic: BATOD North Technology for the ‘New Normal’
Date: Jun 4, 2020 01:00 PM London
Meeting Recording:
https://zoom.us/rec/share/vO1sNJ3U2WdLc7fDtFz6XII9E5juX6a81XRN_fAJxEja0YVGO_2Tj6UykicTqEjv
BATOD North (Ryan’s Resources)
BATOD North recently held their first webinar. A BATOD member, Ryan, created the following youtube videos on ‘Tutorial – How to create a video with signed captions in powerpoint’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RF4RKbf_tI&t=3s and ‘Howto add hyperlinks in Microsoft Office and create PDFs’ https://youtu.be/OWFvwEXFIlw
Blanche Nevile School for Deaf Children
Blanche Nevile School have now launched their very own YouTube channel!.
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDn2xBF0Xjhmos88MPHGhw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Blanche Nevile School have also created a number of high quality BSL stories that can be access on their Facebook page
Remember you can still follow them on:
Twitter https://twitter.com/home
CALL Scotland
CALL Scotland has put together a short list of suggestions for Complex Needs Home Learning Resources. They note “it is not an exhaustive list of what’s out there by any means, but it includes some starter resources and ideas for learning at home over the coming weeks”. https://www.callscotland.org.uk/blog/complex-needs-home-learning-resources/
https://www.callscotland.org.uk/blog/symbol-resources-for-covid19/
Cambridgeshire County Council
A list of suggested resources of activities for parents and their child or young person
Central Institute for the Deaf – Quick tips library
Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) “offer educational opportunities and resources for children and families as well as professionals (deaf education and general education teachers, speech-language pathologists, auditory-verbal therapists, audiologists, program administrators and others).”
CID’s Quick Tip video series is a collection of videos offering relevant, easy-to-use information for anyone who supports a child with hearing loss. Each video is only 2-3 minutes long.
https://cid.edu/professionals/quick-tip-videos/
Cochlear
Cochlear are excited to announce the launch of a series of free education webinars on hearing implants.
The webinars will focus on the patient journey and are aimed at audiologists/ENT/other hearing health professionals who do not work directly with hearing implants.
Cochlear implant candidacy evaluation- what is involved for my patient? – Thursday 18th June, 1300 BST Register Here
What happens to patients when they are referred for cochlear implant assessments? How can you counsel them as they set off? In this engaging session you will go behind the scenes into the journey of a patient being referred and assessed for potential implantation. Included will be a description of the overall evaluation process, common testing protocols and the experience of switch on.
Don’t forget to register – even if you miss the live session you will be able to catch up with the recorded session at a later date.
CODA UK & Ireland
Link to a wealth of websites signposted by CODA UK & Ireland
Dorset Council
Dorset’s Education and Learning, Hearing and Vision Support Services has shared a template for ‘Advice on Management and Cleaning when Returning to School’.
https://www.batod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Dorset-Council-COVID-Device-Advice-template.pdf
DToD
Deaf Teachers of the Deaf have published the resources page of their website – https:/deafteachers.co.uk/
In light of the current Coronavirus situation they have brought forward the release of this page. It has a lot of useful websites and resources that are accessible to d/Deaf pupils. It will be regularly updated.
Elmfield School for Deaf Children has created some QR codes for their parents to access stories in BSL.
A ToD at the school thought it would be good to share them with you all too.
You can find them on the website: https: www.elmfield.bristol.sch.uk/Bug-Club/
Exeter Academy
Matt Jenkins, Deaf ToD, from Exeter Academy has signposted the following resource ‘Coronavirus: Deaf Children’s guide to coronavirus in BSL.’ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3zDDOQdxBXZDa1F69NpjLBmFPYQrDmmx
The clips include
Clip 1) What is coronavirus
Clip 2) How virus came from?
Clip 3) How do you know if you have it?
Clip 4) How did it start?
Clip 5) How do we stop coronavirus from spreading?
Clip 6) What must I do?
Clip 7) Life has changed
Clip 8) A factsheet about coronavirus
Frank Barnes School is providing BSL stories via Vimeo https://www.fbarnes.camden.sch.uk/home
Here is an example: BSL Story – Dear Zoo
Ian Noon, from the National Deaf Children’s Society, has made the following comments about some of the software which might be in use:
In terms of accessibility for deaf students, my understanding is that it depends on the software being used
Microsoft Teams/Google Hangouts – both have speech recognition software which can provide live subtitles. As you can guess, the quality of these subtitles is likely to vary depending on the quality of sound and accents
Zoom – a remote STTR or BSL interpreter or CSW can join the call alongside the teacher. Zoom provides some flexibility, I think, on what you see – i.e. you can choose to have a full screen view of just one person, or you can have a ‘gallery’ view of everyone on the call. The STTR text can also appear on screen. The main issue here is around who will pay for any communication support beyond that normally provided.
*** Information for school governors
The British Psychological Society has produced brief guidance for headteachers on how headteachers can look after staff wellbeing – Teacher resilience.
Safer use of Zoom
Inferential reading in BSL
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr7PONDeobQ&feature=youtu.be
Jamie Dow, a deaf teacher from St Roch’s HS in Glasgow has kindly shared his BSL teaching resource on inferential reading as he is an English teacher working with deaf pupils.
He has created this video in BSL about Coronavirus. https://www.youtube.com/embed/zYftZeftmZQ
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT208343
You can use dictation instead of your keyboard to enter text with many apps and features that use the keyboard on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
Leanne’s Signed Stories
BATOD member Leanee has recorded some signed stories on Youtube. Starting as an activity for Deaf Awareness week to promote Deaf Awareness around her mainstream school setting, Leanne is aiming to upload two stories a week. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY-aR4skEi7PX2zBOmUvpQQ?view_as=subscriber
Leeds City Council
Leeds Teacher of the Deaf have been working with Cath Smith to create some free resources for young deaf children during lockdown.
There was an old lady who swallowed a fly BSL & SSE
The Very Hungry Caterpillar BSL
Dear Zoo BSL
The printable resources inc flashcards are available to download here.
The Leeds ToDs have updated their resources. They have added sign-along Nursery Rhymes to Youtube as well as a 2 extra stories. Check out the new material via this link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLggQFjpTLgpIthP5FYakW6u-2U9NOsIzk
Longwill School
Longwill school have added a range of resources to their website for deaf children to use during the COVID19 crisis. Resources include BSL stories, challenges and more. Go to www.longwill.bham.sch.uk (then open up the pupil resources page on the front page)
NatSIP
https://www.batod.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Paediatric-A5-helpful-info-booklet.pdf
Peterborough Local Authority
Peterborough Local Authority have updated their Local Offer with a range of activities to support homeschooling. The resources are presented in KeyStages from early years to post 16.
Their press release explains “Join our expert, Debbie Thomas, for our first live session for professionals working in Wales.
Due to COVID-19, there have been huge changes to how children are educated. In this session, Debbie will be giving an overview of the national picture in Wales.
This will cover:
- what we know about the current support available for deaf children in Wales – in particular, the impact on children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs
- our policy response and advice for professionals
- the implications for deaf children in Wales with plans for the autumn term.
You can find out more information here and book onto the event here: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/our-services/our-events/webinars-for-professionals-supporting-deaf-children/“
NDCS
Keep an eye out as more events will be added covering other aspects such as technology, audiology etc.
NDCS tutors are running lessons for families each week over the next 12 weeks, and there are different lessons in each of the nations. The lessons are free.
These are in addition to their online events that they are running during the lockdown to support families:
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/our-services/our-events/online-events/
Apps for creating captioned videos on mobile devices – Online Event (Zoom)
17 July 2020, 2 – 3pm (Join by 1:45pm for registration and prompt start)
Do you want to feel more confident about making content accessible for deaf young people?
Join us for our upcoming information session to find out tips on captioning apps and software that can make your video content accessible to deaf children and young people and can facilitate meetings with deaf colleagues.
Norfolk Virtual School Sensory Support
Scottish Sensory Centre BSL
Scottish Sensory Centre BSL Glossary is a really valuable teaching resource with signs and definitions for Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography and Astronomy.
Seashells
The Elizabeth Foundation
The Elizabeth Foundation has announced
“We are waiving all fees until further notice for our online Let’s Listen and Talk programme so that all families who need it at the current time can benefit from our advice, guidance and information.Along with information, the programme provides hundreds of games and activities to use in the home so parents can support listening and talking for their children with hearing loss from birth to 5 years. Please share and tell your friends 🙂 #deafeducation #letslistenandtalk
Sign up for FREE today at www.letslistenandtalk.org
Twinkle
Twinkle have created home learning and school closure packs and have also introduced an offer for all of them to be completely free. click this link for further information.
