The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic led to multiple challenges across all levels of education. Many of these challenges centred around the provision of accessible and inclusive online education for people with disability.In July 2020, the Australian Disability Clearing House (ADCET) surveyed disability practitioners from the tertiary sector to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their delivery practices, the students they support and on teaching and learning.  There were 18 recommendations. In the survey a number of participants identified the challenges and struggles that many students who are Deaf or hard of hearing were experiencing. To address these concerns four (4) experienced practitioners – themselves Deaf or hard of hearing – were asked to design a guideline (based on the preceding webinar) focusing on the online learning needs of this particular cohort of students.

The ADCET Guidelines for Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students Online, released in November 2020 is the result of many months of painstaking research and writing.

The disability rights movement term 'Nothing about us without us!' defines the philosophy of this guideline and is based on the conviction that people with disability and lived experience know what is best for them (Charlton, 2000).

If you are a disability practitioner, educator (e.g. teacher of the Deaf, lecturer) or student who is Deaf or hard of hearing, these guidelines have been produced for you. We encourage readers to be mindful of the ever-shifting landscape and new technologies as they emerge beyond the
scope of these guidelines and recommend you explore new offerings
as they come to light.

View the ADCET guideline here in both standard and accessible formats: 

https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/10475/guidelines-supporting-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-students-online

 

Acknowledgments to ADCET and people involved in creating this guideline:

Content Writer, Researcher and Designer:
Joe-Anne Kek-Pamenter

Advisory Committee members:
Gary Kerridge, Cathy Easte and Bobby Blackson

Editor:
Jo Vabolis