My Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids Need Access

Funded Dec 27, 2023

I wanted to let you know the many ways I have been using the iPad and Apple Pen that was so generously donated to my Deaf and Hard of Hearing students! As you can see from the photos, I use the iPad for both push in services and pull out services with my Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. We frequently use the iPad as a captioning device because the student issued Chromebooks in NYC automatically block any sort of AI generated captions. It's extremely frustrating when laptops issued to students have accessibility options automatically blocked.

I also use Canva, which is a graphic design platform to have the students design their own information cards to remind their classroom teachers to put on the microphone transmitters! Additionally, we use Microsoft Whiteboard to take notes, and upload math problems from class that can be inserted as an image then my student can work in his peer groups with the Apple pen, taking turns working out the complex math problems. Some of the other platforms I use with the students are Notability, GoodNotes, Office 365, almost all of the G suite (Google classroom, Documents, Drive, etc). I use BookWidgets to create vocabulary flashcards, interactive crossword puzzles. I'll use Math Learning Center apps to engage my students with interactive number lines and ten frame math grids.

We also use the iPad to take a picture of classroom content questions, then use that info for a later pull out service, targeting the vocabulary or writing skills. I have taken the iPad on our field trips to use the google maps feature when we are all on the subway together, and also to activate Live Transcribe (a captioning app that I also downloaded to the Donors Choose iPad) ! This iPad has been an indispensable tool that I use every single day with my Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, who truly cover the gamut of academic levels. I deeply appreciate your generosity towards my Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, who have to continually work harder than their peers with typical hearing to keep up with all the classroom content. Many, many thanks for being so kind and considerate to my extraordinary students!!!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Teresa