The Stanley Cup is Back in its Sweet Home - CHICAGO!
We are all still a bit dizzy from watching the phenomenal Stanley Cup playoff game last night between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins. What a game, what a series and what a season!
While I watched the Bruins players take to the ice for warmups last night I couldn't help but think what an awesome feeling it must be to have people cheering for you at the top of their lungs - a feeling I'm pretty sure I will not have the chance to experience - at least at that extreme level.
But what if you are a deaf athlete? Do you get the same feeling from watching the crowd? Moreover, what accommodations are needed for deaf athletes in hockey and other sports? I did a little research and found an interesting list of the accommodations needed for sports - some I hadn't even thought of. Three federal laws guarantee access to students with hearing challenges, their parents, and individuals who work with them. In essence, each of the laws say that students with hearing loss should have access to whatever all of the other students have access to – nothing more, nothing less.
| Basketball | Red light behind each backboard lights at end of a quarter; portable loop system around bench with the coach using the microphone plus hearing devices |
| Field Hockey | Hearing devices + FM for communication between player and coach during sideline discussions. Hand motions, shoulder taps to bring attention of player with hearing loss to coach |
| Football | Hearing aid within a modified helmet (info provided); visual signals between players during plays |
| Golf | Hearing devices + FM to use with advising partner |
| Lacrosse | Hearing devices + FM for communication between player and coach during sideline discussions; head gear may allow for use of hearing devices during play; hand gestures between players |
| Soccer | Hearing devices as long as there is no threat of injury. ITE aid with soft canal recommended. Players deliver messages during substitutions and/or hand gestures. FM use or loop for coach conferences. |
| Softball | Hand signals for each umpire call used by closest teammate on field or between coach/players |
| Tennis | Hearing devices. Use of hand signals during doubles. Visual score cards. |
| Volleyball | Use of hand signals during game; visual scoreboard. Visual signal to accompany whistle signals. |
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