Which accommodation is commonly used to support deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the classroom?

• A. ASL interpreters
• B. Audio recordings of lectures
• C. Large print handouts
• D. Quiet, distraction-free seating

Answer: (A)

Providing access to spoken instruction through ASL interpreters is a common accommodation for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. An ASL interpreter translates the teacher’s spoken words and classroom discussions into sign language in real time, so the student can follow lectures, participate in questions, and receive clarifications without missing information. This direct access supports equal participation and reduces the need for the student to rely on lip-reading or read/write shortcuts that may slow comprehension.

Other options fall short of providing live access to what’s being said in class. Audio recordings can help if the student can hear, but for someone who is deaf, those recordings don’t convey the live spoken content. Large print handouts assist with reading information, but they don’t provide access to the ongoing oral instruction happening during class. Quiet, distraction-free seating can improve focus, yet it doesn’t address the essential need to access spoken language in real time.