Support Services Handout Series
Number 4007 Communication Sheet
Checklist for Effective Communication

My child has a visual smoke alarm in his/her bedroom.

I will contact the fire department or communication technology dealer to obtain and install a visual smoke alarm for my child.

We have a TTY at home. It is set-up and ready to be used.

My child uses the TTY at least three times a week.

My child uses the relay system to call people who don't have a TTY.

Everyone in the family knows how to use the TTY.

Family and friends know how to use the telephone relay system.

We learned how to use the TTY or telephone relay system from our child, a deaf friend, an audiologist, or communication technology specialist.

We have a television with closed-captions or a closed-caption decoder.

I review captioned dialogue with my child to ensure he/she understands general concepts and new vocabulary.

We have a telephone light to alert my child when someone is calling.

We have a doorbell light to alert my child when someone is at the door.

My child regularly socializes with deaf and hard of hearing teenagers and adults.

My child read the classified ads to search for summer jobs, used cars or other items to purchase. We discussed unfamiliar abbreviations and vocabulary.

My child completed at least one job application this summer. I assisted with any unfamiliar concepts and vocabulary.

My child and I practiced his/her job interviewing skills.

My child arranged one family outing or vacation. As needed I assisted with the location of resources, telephone numbers and names.

My child independently orders food at restaurants, makes purchases in stores, and asks questions of sales clerks and other professionals.