Case study 5: Ivan

Scenario

Ivan is a deaf researcher who lip reads.

Suggested adjustments

Ivan may need adjustments to be made because he could be substantially disadvantaged if he could not fully understand the questions during the viva.

There are practical adjustments that will be needed. These might include;

-       arranging the room  so that light falls on the examiners' faces

-       ensuring the examines do not sit in front of windows with light behind them, as it is very difficult to lip read

-       provide an uncluttered background so that the candidate is able to concentrate.

-       A room where there is no background noise.

Lip reading is tiring. Nor is it easy to lip read a stranger, especially if they have an accent. It is best if the ground rules are agreed with Ivan before the viva. When it begins, the chair should give clear permission to Ivan to say when he is unsure of what someone has said and if he needs a break. It would be advisable to pre-arrange breaks.

The Open University's Inclusive Teaching pages have guidelines for working with a person who lip reads.