Understanding and supporting reading difficulties in deaf and hard of hearing children

A significant proportion of deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students experience challenges and difficulties with learning to read, despite improvements in hearing technology. In this VDEI webinar recording, Sharron Woolfe, Visiting Teacher with the Victorian Department of Education, discusses how hearing loss can impact a student learning to read. The presentation explores some of the causes of reading difficulties and strategies to support reading skills.

When a DHH student experiences reading difficulties, a teacher may query whether the student is dyslexic. In examining the tendency to link reading difficulties and dyslexia, Sharron discusses research studies that have compared the reading difficulties of deaf and hard of hearing students with students who are dyslexic. In looking at the role of Teachers of the Deaf in supporting students’ reading skills, the presentation highlights a range of assessments to help determine the cause and type of reading difficulties being demonstrated by a DHH student. A range of strategies, resources and approaches to support the reading skills of DHH students is also covered.

The presentation is a recording of a VDEI live webinar presented by Sharron Woolfe in September 2021.

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Participants will:

• Discuss the impact of hearing loss on learning to read
• Understand the incidence of deaf and hard of hearing students experiencing learning difficulties
• Discuss reading difficulties in relation to dyslexia
• Learn about assessments, strategies and programs to support student’s reading skills

Sharron Woolfe is a Visiting Teacher of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, with the Victorian Department of Education. Sharron is also undertaking PhD studies in the field of reading and deaf education at Deakin University. Her experience as an educator also includes special education and literacy intervention coordination, general classroom teaching, school consultancy, supporting students who are dyslexic, research assistance work, teaching postgraduate university students, and delivering professional development to teachers.  Sharron’s academic qualifications include a Master of Education in Language Intervention and Hearing Impairment, a second Master in Specific Learning Difficulties, and a Postgraduate Certificate of Educational Research.