Visit to Oral School for the Deaf
Our visit to the Oral School for the Deaf on April 29 2025, situated in the Mullick Bazar area of Kolkata, gave us an enriching experience of how students with hearing impairments are taught using the oral-aural method. This approach focuses on enabling children to develop speech and listening skills rather than relying on sign language, aiming for easier integration into the mainstream society.
The school's infrastructure is well-suited to its teaching style. Classrooms are acoustically controlled, small in size, and designed to reduce ambient noise. Visual aids such as articulation charts, flashcards, and real objects are used extensively. Mirrors are a key tool, helping students observe mouth movements and improve articulation. Some children used hearing aids and cochlear implants to enhance their listening ability.
We were impressed by the structured nature of the classes. Students were engaged in listening and speaking exercises, with a strong emphasis on repetition and clear pronunciation. Teachers spoke slowly and used exaggerated lip movements, encouraging children to lip-read. Many students were able to introduce themselves and respond in short, clear phrases. We also observed that teachers made consistent efforts to develop vocabulary using real-life objects and contextual cues.
The teacher-student bond was strong and built on trust and constant encouragement. Students seemed eager to communicate, and teachers patiently corrected and guided them. This visit made us aware of the challenges faced by children with hearing impairments and the essential role that speech therapy and specialized teaching play in their development. It also highlighted how commitment, consistency, and optimism can yield remarkable progress in children's communication abilities.
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