Deaf or hard of hearing
If you have restricted or no hearing you may need extra resources to help you study effectively. When choosing your modules, find out as much as you can about how they're taught and what support you might need.
Things to consider
If your preferred language is not English but British Sign Language (BSL) or Signed Supported English (SSE), these aspects of study may be more time consuming.
- Reading your module materials
- Writing assignments (essays) and completing assessments
- Group activities with other students
- Lip-reading and taking notes at tutorials
There are a range of study skills booklets available to students, including Studying when you are D/deaf which gives you more information on what to expect from study with The Open University (OU).
Getting the right resources for you
Have you told us your support needs? If not, you can see how to do this on Telling the OU about your disability. If you've already shared this information with us you'll be able to see it on your student profile. Make sure your student profile explains what you find difficult and the areas where you need support. Have a preliminary discussion with your tutor and ask for things that will help you.
To check the accessible formats available on a module go to your module website and look under the Resources section for a link to Downloads. You can also check the accessibility statement for your module in the online prospectus.
To find out more about the support we can offer take a look at Adjustments available by study elements.
Communicating with other people
During your study, you’ll need to communicate with OU staff and other students. We can
- tell your tutor how best to communicate with you (e.g. text or email instead of a phone call)
- find other ways of sharing information if online discussions are difficult
- organise communication support for residential school, group work in tutorials or exams
- provide equipment such as a portable personal loop if you use a hearing aid.
Try to arrange a meeting with your tutor and support worker(s) before your study starts to discuss the best way to work as a team. Here are some other things to consider.
- If you’re having problems understanding or being understood, let the tutor know as soon as you can.
- You’ll need an environment that suits listening and lip reading.
- Ask your tutor to send you handouts before the group meets.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or ask people to speak one at a time or repeat what they’ve said.
British Sign Language (BSL) service for students in Scotland
British Sign Language users in Scotland can also contact us by using the online sign language interpreter service provided by Contact Scotland BSL.
Exam arrangements
Individual arrangements can be made for you where there’s clear evidence that you would otherwise be disadvantaged. If you're likely to need extra time or have an interpreter or communication support worker in your exam, you must apply to do so at least two months before the exam. Take a look at Exam arrangements for disabled students for more information.
Residential school
If your module has a compulsory residential school, we'll work with you to make your stay beneficial and effective. Discuss disability support at residential school with an adviser as early in your module as possible to give us enough time to make arrangements.
If you can't go to residential school in person, there may be an online school which meets the same core learning requirements for your module.
Professionally trained and registered guide dogs and medical assistance dogs can attend face-to-face venues with you in line with each venue’s policy. You'll need to provide evidence, such as a certificate or identification card, to demonstrate that your dog is fully trained to the required standard of behaviour.
