If a student has difficulty speaking, do not assume he or she has an intellectual disability, too. Do not alter your own speech or attitude when speaking with this student.

Be sure to allow sufficient time for communication with you. Do not attempt to finish his or her sentences or provide words before he or she can say them. If you do not understand the student ask him or her to repeat the question or statement. He or she is most likely just as frustrated as you with the breakdown in communication. Again, be patient and allow as much communication time as is needed.

A student with vision loss can have any varying degrees of sight, and may or may not use an assistive device. Help the student become familiar with the environment. Be very descriptive to help orient him or her to the new surroundings. Be sure the environment is safe by removing any unnecessary cones, signs, or other obstacles.

A student with hearing loss may require an interpreter. If not, be sure to provide a clear view of the mouth of any speaking individual so the student can read lips. Be sure to keep your hands or other objects away from your face and speak in a normal speed and tone.

If communication is difficult, regardless of the disability, consider writing out your message or asking the student to write out or otherwise present what he or she is trying to communicate.