10 Use of headphones
Definition
Allowing students to use headphones, either to cancel out any noise or to add specific sound (e.g., music), to support calming or focus during an activity or transition
In action
Depending on specific needs and preferences, provide access to noise-cancelling or reducing headphones or audio-connected headphones for white/ ambient noise or music while during a difficult or stressful activity an activity or transition.
Support Strategies
- Keep different types of headphones in the classroom, including noise-cancelling headphones
- Establish and model guidelines as a class around respectful use of headphones (e.g., keeping music at a quiet volume)
- Encourage students to bring headphones from home with parent/caregiver permission
- Help students to self-assess the effect of music/ noise cancelling on their work to determine when and how it can be most effective.
- Work with students to create a playlist that students can listen to through the headphones while doing their work
Case Study
Student: Grade 12 student in an art class.
Content: The class is drawing self-portraits as part of their final assignment.
Problem: The class is working quietly and extremely focused, but the student is having trouble focusing on their work due to the quiet.
Solution: The teacher provides headphones with a pre-approved playlist loaded for student to support completing their work.
Additional Resources
- Description of setting accommodations and tips for use, including headphones, from the IRIS Center
- List and description of common barriers and related setting accommodations, including audio-related, from the IRIS Center
- Review of literature related to noise-cancelling headphones use from Cogent Education
