5 Useful Emergency Preparedness Tips for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Safety in the classroom is essential for every student, but for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, emergency preparedness requires special attention.

In this video, we'll highlight key tips to help you ensure that all students are included in emergency plans.

Tip number one is preparing emergency communication systems. This can be done by installing visual alarms, setting up digital ways to send emergency instructions when needed, and also implementing emergency communication cards with simple images and phrases, especially for younger students.

Tip number two is training and designating specific staff members and even other students to learn some basic emergency sign language and to know how to communicate and support the deaf and hard-of-hearing students during emergencies.

Tip number three is personalizing each student's emergency plan on their IEP. This means detailing their preferred communication methods and any other necessary accommodations that should be implemented in the case of an emergency.

Tip number four is conducting inclusive emergency drills. This means including deaf students and their interpreters in the emergency drills in order to practice communication strategies, test visual alert systems, and gather feedback on ways that emergency protocols can be improved.

Tip number five is ensuring accessibility in safe areas. Whether conducting a drill or reacting to a real emergency situation, be sure to designate safe zones that have clear visual instructions posted, have communication tools available, and have trained staff members designated to be in those areas to assist the deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

By working together and planning ahead, we can create a safer, more accessible environment that will lessen anxiety and keep everyone safe in the event of an emergency.

If you would like to receive these tips via a PDF document, please contact us today.