The Cochlear Implant School Toolkit

8 - Social Integration of a Child with a Cochlear Implant

Explain cochlear implants to your students

If possible have the child's parent come in and read a book about cochlear implants, and then lead a classroom discussion. If the child with the cochlear implant feels comfortable, have him or her do a "Show and Tell" with the cochlear implant equipment for the class.

If the child does not feel comfortable talking about the cochlear implant, ask if he or she minds if you explain the cochlear implant to the class. Check to see if he or she wants to be in the classroom during this discussion and, if possible, frame the conversation as part of a larger talk about diversity to avoid singling the child out.

Below, a teacher explains how he worked with the parent of the student with the cochlear implant to explain the implant to the class.