Assistive Listening Devices Various assistive listening devices can improve the communication skills of deaf children. According to IDEA, every child with a disability has the right to have access to assistive technologies (California Department of Education, 2004). The California Department of Education (2004) outlines IDEA's definition of an assistive technology device. It explains that this device consists of “any item, equipment, or product system…used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional abilities of a child with a disability” (California Department of Education, 2004, p. 1). One of these devices is the hearing aid. According to the Kendall School Support Services Team (2003), deaf children who wear hearing aids may have an increased ability to distinguish between different sounds. They can also monitor their own voice better, making it easier for them to develop speech skills. Another benefit is a greater ability to understand conversation. However, hearing aids do not make sounds clear, nor do they make hearing perfect. Additionally, the student must sit close to the speaker, as extraneous noise makes listening an even greater challenge (Kendall School Support Services Team, 2003). On the other hand, the Kendall Support Services Team (2003) indicates that FM hearing aids allow children to hear at the same volume regardless of where they are sitting. In fact, FM systems can cover over 100 feet and are portable (Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing). These systems require teachers to wear microphones and students to wear special hearing aids (Kendall Support Services Team, 2003). Likewise, sound field systems amplify the instructor's voice, not only for deaf students, but also for deaf students. American Annals of the Deaf, 146, 60-66. Retrieved February 21, 2005, from http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_Qa3782/is_200103/ai_n8937896Schirmer, B. R., & Ingram, A. L. (2003). Using online chat to encourage the development of written language in deaf students. Online Reading, 2-21. Retrieved March 1, 2005, from http://www.readingonline.org/articles/schirmer/Davies, Paul. (2005). The implants spark controversy over the education of the deaf. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved May 1, 2005, from http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/nation/3125477BBC Broadcast. (2005). The study examines how television can be improved for deaf children. Retrieved May 2, 2005, from http://www.4rfv.co.uk/industrynews.asp?ID=40028BBC Broadcast explains its joint plan with the National Deaf Children's Society to improve captioning and signing on children's programs.