Hearing and Speech Sciences

Test Your Knowledge of Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Students!

1. How do Deaf/Hard of Hearing students communicate?

a. Using a visual language, such as American Sign Language

b. Using listening and spoken language

c. Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

d. Using a combination of communication methods

e. All of the above  

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    E:  Each D/HH student and their family is unique!  Vanderbilt's MDE program has a comprehensive communication philosophy and prepares graduates to meet the needs of D/HH students who use a variety of communication methods.

2. D/HH students are served in which of the following settings?

a. State schools for the Deaf

b. Public schools

c. Private schools

d. Virtual platforms

e. All of the above 

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    E:  Teachers for D/HH students have many options for employment.  Vanderbilt MDE graduates work in all of the settings above and more (e.g., higher education).  

3. True or False? Teachers of D/HH students must have an undergraduate degree in deaf education.

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    FALSE:  Anyone with a teaching license can apply to Vanderbilt's MDE program!  We use your previous expertise and experience as a foundation for building new knowledge about teaching D/HH students.  

4. True or False? D/HH students who use hearing assistive technology, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, do not need specially designed instruction from trained personnel.

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    FALSE:  Hearing assistive technology does not restore acoustic hearing.  It also does not compensate for missed linguistic input that many D/HH students experience.  Vanderbilt’s MDE program has a strong combination of coursework, field experiences, and community partnerships to ensure graduates are prepared to support language and literacy development for D/HH students.

5. Which of the following professionals might be part of a D/HH student’s educational team?

a. ASL interpreters

b. Speech language pathologists

c. Educational audiologists

d. Teachers of D/HH students

e. All of the above

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    E:  Maximizing outcomes for D/HH students involves collaboration among a variety of professionals.  Vanderbilt’s MDE program is designed to leverage interdisciplinary learning to promote future interprofessional practice.  

Vanderbilt's Master of Education of the Deaf (MDE) program is ready to help you become a highly qualified teacher for D/HH students! Learn more and apply today.