PROBLEM: Over the past decade, significant research has focused on literacy development for DHH children and has shown that DHH children can learn to read with specific modifications and instruction. While researchers now understand how to teach these students, the complexity lies in modifying instruction for diverse learner profiles. Teachers are required to complete a 25-hour Science of Reading course designed for hearing students. DHH teachers requested guidance on how to apply the course to their students.
SOLUTION: Create a course that not only helps teachers and professionals learn the specialized instruction needed to teach DHH children how to read and become skilled readers, but also helps parents and early interventionists focus on language at home and hearing technology.
A key instructional strategy taught in these courses is how to make sounds visible. For example, if a student cannot hear a teacher sound out the word cat, the teacher might use multisensory techniques: touching the hand for the “c” sound, the elbow for the “a,” and the shoulder for the “t,” while simultaneously showing the letters and a stuffed animal cat. By understanding how the brain acquires language from multiple sources, parents and teachers will be better equipped to differentiate and personalize instruction, supporting literacy development for all students.
The full course includes two paths: one for educators and one for parents/caregivers and early interventionists. For educators, there are two RISE modules, one in-depth Storyline module, and a corresponding ILT training. There is one RISE module for the parents and early interventionists. The RISE modules are below.
This project is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education Outreach Services and the Atlanta Speech School. Courses are hosted on Cox Campus, funded by the Cox Foundation, and developed through collaboration between the instructional design community and Georgia-based DHH learning specialists.
ROLE: Art Direction | Graphic Design | Assist course development | Editing | Design Field Guides and Job Aids
SOFTWARE: Articulate RISE 360 | Adobe Illustrator | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Acrobat | Adobe InDesign
The modules below were created for ID Lance.
Systematic Language Instruction for Students with Language Delays
RISE 360 Module for Educators
This 60-minute asynchronous course is designed for educators (PK–22) who provide foundational knowledge and practical strategies to support systematic language instruction for DHH students. Learners explore concepts through authentic personas representing the diverse DHH student population.
Writing in a Meaningful Context for DHH Learners
RISE 360 Module for Educators
This 30-minute asynchronous course, designed for educators (PK–22), provides foundational knowledge and practical strategies to support writing development in DHH students.
The course centers around three big ideas:
1. Language access equals equity. (Writing is language made visible.)
2. Visual strategies bridge gaps. (DHH students benefit from fingerspelling and visual supports.)
3. Writing builds identity and expression. (It serves as a personal and empowering communication tool.)
Language at Home for DHH Children Ages Birth to 5
RISE 360 Module for Parents, Caregivers, and Early Intervention Providers
This module is for parents, caregivers, and early intervention providers working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) children from birth to age 5 years. The module includes simple, helpful ways to support DHH children’s early language, whether they use ASL, spoken language, or both.
