Posted By woody Does anyone have any advice in terms of health and safety for a student with 100% no hearing on a motorcycle course? He is starting in September and will have a communicator and support worker with him. He will not be able to hear if an engine is running for example and obviously the fire alarm. Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated Thanks

Posted By Tabs I was a motorcycle instructor for many years and trained three/four deaf people, I even manage to retain some of the basic sign language I learnt from the experience. It is very easy especially if they have experience of attending other training. The presence of a support worker is a bonus, but more so if they have motorcycle experience too. The support worker will be well aware of the buddy system for evac etc. I found it very rewarding personally, because it helps you develop another level of appreciation of people around you. Knowing the engine is running is the same for a deaf person as a hearing person in that modern bikes can't usually be clearly heard through a snug crash helmet. The instrument panel is a very good visual clue - as is the position of the key. Don't be afraid to talk about the subject of deafness with them. When it comes to warning others of their presence ... the use of the horn remains an option at stage 5 of the Police System (if they haven't changed it since I did it). And the importance of rear observations for emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles will assume the rider is aware of the sirens. Where you can, use an open face helmet, or remove your full-face helmet when talking, as lip reading and facial expressions may be important. Before they join you, why not take a few minutes to learn how to greet them, praise them, and say goodbye?

Posted By Kieran J Duignan Hello woody The principal focus for a learner with a disability is his abilities and strengths. So, using simple visuals (if possible simple, elegant cartoons) can be very telling. With seriously hearing-impaired clients, I also sometimes interact through a computer screen. Another v. effective interactive tool is hexagon, circular, square and triangle chips, of different colours, with washable surfaces on which both of us can quickly write messages - and reconfigure the layout as a new insight emerges.