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A-level results: Deaf students 'proud' after Covid mask struggles

Liz Blamire

6th September 2022

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BBC Newsbeat have reported on the challenges of being Deaf when your lessons are on Zoom or your teacher is wearing a mask.

In the BBC report, we learn about Holly who had to retake a year of A Levels because the impact of remote learning and then face masks was too significant.

"On Zoom, there were no subtitles so I essentially just wasn't learning at all as I couldn't understand.

"In terms of confidence, the pandemic knocked me really badly and because of that my grades plummeted."

We also learn about Dinah, who campaigned for clear face masks - many Deaf people rely on lip reading and facial expressions to support their hearing and understanding.

Below you can watch a video by YouTuber Jazzy, who tested out a regular face mask and a clear face mask with her mum, to see if clear face masks really do make a difference to Deaf people.

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Liz Blamire

Liz is tutor2u subject lead for Health & Social Care and Early Childhood Development. A former NHS midwife, she has taught in FE and secondary as HoD, is an SSAT Accredited Lead Practitioner, textbook author, and experienced senior examiner. She recently completed an MEd in Inclusion and SEND, focusing on social, emotional and behavioural needs.