Hearing and Visual Impairments (DST207)

This course introduces students to the diverse learning needs of persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. It examines the ways in which sensory impairments impact access to information, communication, and learning across educational and community contexts. Students will explore a range of assistive tools, technologies, and adaptive strategies used to support inclusive participation in learning environments. Emphasis is placed on person-centred approaches, accessibility, and inclusive teaching practices that empower individuals with sensory impairments. This course is ideal for students interested in disability support, inclusive education, allied health, social care, or advocacy.

• Introduction to Hearing and Visual impairments
• Sensory Processing: Physiology and Learning Development
• Sensory-Related Behaviours for persons with Hearing and Visual impairments
• Types and Degrees of Visual Impairment
• Visual Impairment and Its Implications for Teaching and Learning
• The Range and Types of Visual Impairment
• Hearing Impairment and Its Implications for Teaching and Learning
• Multisensory Impairment (Deaf/Blindness)
• Strategies and Intervention for persons with Hearing and Visual Impairments
• Inclusive classroom and strategies
• Teaching Aids for Hearing and Visual Impairments
• Technology and Hearing and Visual Impairments

• Describe the key characteristics and functional implications of at least two main types of sensory impairments (e.g. hearing and visual impairments).
• Illustrate, using specific examples, the barriers to learning and participation experienced by persons with a hearing or visual impairment.
• Apply appropriate strategies and adaptations to support the learning and engagement of persons with hearing and visual impairments in inclusive or segregated settings.
• Compare the advantages and limitations of special (segregated) versus mainstream educational settings for persons with sensory impairments (eg. hearing and Visual Impairments)
• Examine how having a hearing or a visual impairment may influence the learning experiences and engagement of individuals with sensory impairments.
• Analyse the developmental impact of a hearing or a visual impairment on communication, social interaction, and learning across the lifespan.