844-897-3935Deaf and hard of hearing students, especially those in mainstream classes, can miss a lot of the information communicated during a class or meeting. Hearing aids help, but their benefit is limited by distance. FM systems can improve access to the teacher, but not to class discussions—and passing the microphone around is often forgotten in the flow of conversation.
TypeWell transcription puts the ideas expressed by the teacher and other students right in front of your child. They can read in real time on a computer screen or mobile device what is being said and keep up with discussions as they happen. With meaning-for-meaning transcription, the student has greater access to the same information their peers receive—supporting both participation and independence.
Academic benefits
- Real-time transcripts let your child follow the lesson as it unfolds.
- Printed or digital transcripts provide accurate notes for later review.
- Concise, meaning-for-meaning text reduces reading fatigue compared to verbatim captioning.
Social and emotional benefits
- The student can follow side comments, jokes, and class interactions that might otherwise be missed.
- Being included in the flow of conversation helps reduce feelings of isolation.
- Participation is easier when the student can see both what was said and how it was said (tone, emphasis, or gestures captured by the transcriber).
What will my child need to do?
To benefit fully from the service, your child will need to:
- Glance at the computer display during class to fill in information they might otherwise miss.
- If receiving transcripts afterward, keep them organized by class and date.
- Review the transcripts regularly as study tools.
Younger students may need extra support from teachers and parents to build these habits. Developing strong strategies may take time, but with consistency from the whole support team—resource teacher or itinerant teacher, therapists, parents, the transcriber, and the student—most children adapt well.
How can I help my child succeed with TypeWell?
Parents and educators can:
- Encourage your child to check the display and use transcripts after class.
- Reinforce good organizational habits.
- Collaborate with the school’s service coordinator to find strategies that work best.
Students do not automatically know how to use transcripts as learning tools. With guidance and consistent expectations, they can quickly learn to integrate TypeWell into their daily learning. A collaborative team approach is the most effective way to ensure success.