Step 5: Revising the accommodation plan

Deborah realized that some things would have to change for her to succeed in the course. Deborah contacted her DSO counselor to discuss the difficulties. The DSO counselor set up a meeting with the professor, so they could work out solutions together. At the meeting, Deborah described the troubles she was having. The professor said he could give Deborah the technical terms before the class meetings so that she and her interpreter could establish signs for some of these terms.

Taking the initiative, Deborah spoke with the members in her group about what would help her participate more actively. In a friendly way, Deborah reminded everyone to speak directly to her and not to her interpreter. She asked the other group members to speak one at a time and, if possible, to face her when speaking. Following a suggestion from the DSO counselor, Deborah also asked the members of her group to pass a small ball to the person who was then speaking. This acted as a visual clue, allowing Deborah to follow the conversation more easily. It also reminded other group members to speak in turn. Because of this, Deborah’s group became more organized and her classmates were more aware of how to communicate with deaf individuals.

Outcome:

Deborah received a “B+” in the course, and she considered the English writing course to be one of her favorite general education courses. Deborah graduated and started her own photography business and art studio. She found that the knowledge she gained in the writing course influenced her advertising and marketing.

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