AIBU to ask about deaf DC and face coverings in school [edited by MNHQ at poster's request]

[CrazySheepYouAreTheOddOneOut]

Just interested to hear peoples' thoughts on this (everyone, not just parents of deaf DC)

I have DCs with different degrees of deafness and (also hearing DC). My DC who will be the most impacted by this is profoundly deaf and has a cochlear implant - and is in an exam year. (I do have other DC to worry about too but they are in different situations)

The school have already said they can ask staff to wear clear visors but I know some staff members would prefer masks (and totally understand this) and also the lighting makes it difficult for lip reading anyway, plus the sound is muffled. We have also tried clear face masks, including making our own but they have the same problems. DC does have specialise support in school so we will discuss it with them (there is a range of options like more BSL use, 1-2-1s with screens and no masks or extra tuition online - but there is no silver bullet to solve the problem).

I can see how the teaching aspects could be mitigated (although are still a huge concern) but I am also really worried about my DCs friendships. Already they miss out on so much "background" stuff and find it difficult to keep up in groups of friends. When masks were compulsory here on the school bus before full lockdown, my DC started walking to school on his own (which breaks my heart a little). Obviously texting and socialising online is great for him but they still need face to face interaction (also as preparation for RL!)

I understand why face masks are being required - after all DS is 1 child and there are over 1000 in school but he is my DC and I know it will be shit for him.

Are there any other parents in similar situations? Also interested to see if there are any parents whose DC are friends with DC and if they remove masks etc to communicate.
Also happy to answer any questions if anyone has any.

This is an extremely difficult one. Yes all children are entitled to an education and reasonable adjustments should be made but I don’t think school staff should be told to remove their mask and put themselves at increased risk.

I think all school staff should be vaccinated.

This is difficult, as the safety of staff and pupils needs to be balanced against your child's right to an education. Both a vital.

Personally, when I have had deaf patients at work, I have happily removed my mask, at their request. They have a right to be communicated with clearly, and I am fortunate to be low risk from covid-19. I respect that others may not be comfortable removing their masks though.

Ideally, teachers would be prioritised for the vaccine, now that the majority of the elderly and vulnerable populations have been vaccinated.

The department of education says no visors, only face masks are acceptable.

Wouldn't the ones with the plastic panel just steam up?

@CrazySheepYouAreTheOddOneOut
Mine is in a different position, attending a Deaf school rather than mainstream. No staff or pupils will be wearing masks, for which I am very relieved. It has been a terrible year for dc on the communication front, both not understanding what is being said, or difficulties understanding her speech. Obviously we use masks where needed and sign to each other, but it has been very demoralising for her to be so frequently unable to understand what is being said and has greatly impacted on her confidence.

Parent of a deaf child here (preschool CI user) and you're right, it is a circle that can't be squared. Children have suffered disproportionately from the effects of this pandemic, and deaf children much more so than hearing children. Between face masks and zoom classes and missing weeks of school when they're already disadvantaged it must be so frustrating and it's depressing how casually deaf children's needs are dismissed.

Watching my son go through assessments in speech and language for his IEP while the therapist is wearing a mask is half heartbreaking and half so ridiculous I want to laugh.

I comfort myself by thinking that it won't be for much longer and masks will hopefully be a thing of the past. Deaf awareness will still be woeful though. That's the problem with non accredited online BSL classes - you really need to be in the classroom, with a Deaf tutor. I'd much rather see children (and teachers!!) in school learning deaf awareness than BSL.

they need to make adjustments for him to learn as part of his disability. some kids don't have to wear masks due to sensory issues or other medical reasons, or at least they did.

Really feel for your DC, OP. My DD (5) is deaf with a CI, and she’s fully oral, although me and DH use BSL to level 3, she just has no interest. Obviously being so young she is not running in to the difficulties your DC are, but whenever people try to talk to her with masks on it’s just a nightmare. I know you said you’ve tried clear panel masks, but the charity CSSEF will provide clear masks to schools for others to wear if you get in touch with them, and it might be better than an opaque mask (if people won’t remove theirs) and could serve as a reminder that there is a deaf child in the class who needs to be accommodated. Hopefully it won’t be for too much longer. Can’t wait to chuck my masks in the bin!

My son is primary, and for remote learning his teacher has sent lots of prerecorded audio instructions, or videos where the camera is facing the board/resources and you can't see the teacher's face. I've had to listen and repeat what's been said to him. (Different issue I know, but just proves what 'little' things make a big difference).

Sorry didn't want to read and run but there has been a discussion on edutwitter today about teachers using cheapish voice amplifiers...? There are some that are about £20 on Amazon and may be something that helps?

It's interesting to hear of other people's experiences - I think there are so many variants for deaf children depending on level of hearing and type of communication. @SmaugMum I imagine children who are blind are even more "disregarded" (for want of a better word) here than deaf children. Lots of us (I include myself here!) complain about our glasses fogging up but I never really thought of DC in your daughters situation. I shall be more thoughtful in future.

This thread has crystallised my thoughts a bit at least. I agree teachers should be vaccinated. I would be really interested to hear from parents whether they would be happy for their DC to remove face masks/be in a group with masks to communicate with my DC as this seems to be my main worry.

My DCs support staff have been amazing. In some ways there has been a few benefits to the situation. as they provide transcripts of lessons and there has been more room in the timetable to provide extra support sessions. It's not the same as being in school though, especially for the social side. But i think the social side will be really hard for DS. (When he started walking alone instead of getting the bus with his mates I felt so badly for him).

I think I may start another thread with a clear title asking people if they would be happy with DC or teachers mask removal for this (although the first rule of MN mask threads is....)

Could speech to text apps support communication with friends? Those who aren’t taking masks off anyway.
Could school give them somewhere quieter to socialise? Eg. If they had a classroom at lunch break they could sit spaced out.

I have a clear nhs mask to wear with one of my patients, it is similar to a visor but only lower half of the face and more fitted. It's one of these images.app.goo.gl/JQHjt3JpXyzm6kLp6