If the student has successfully learned English, then Italian probably is not going to be a problem.  Both languages are second languages to a Deaf student. For many language courses, the conversational and listening aspect of the language is about communication. 

I would suggest that you meet with the student and the school Disability Service office to determine what accommodations are currently being utilized and then talk to your overseas partner about the expectations and requirements of the course. Perhaps the listening and speaking aspects of the course can be waived as long as the student is able to comprehend and communicate through typed captioning or sign interpretation. You can also read Foreign Languages and Students with Learning, Hearing or Vision Disabilities tipsheet on different options to facilitate inclusive foreign language classrooms. For example, the student could use real-time transcribers in class for lectures or laptop software that allows instant messaging with the teacher and others in the classroom for interactive group work.

To learn to lipread spoken Italian, the student may want to utilize a cued speech transliterator (CST). Unlike a sign language interpreter that conveys the meaning of conversation, CST's convey the sounds that make up the words that someone is saying.  This way, if the student understands cued speech, he can understand word for word what was being said in Italian.  This would necessitate finding a cued speech transliterator in Italy or one willing to go to Italy who understands or is willing to take on the Italian language.

If the student uses sign language interpreters, he may want to work with them to fingerspell the lessons. These American Sign Language Interpreters will already need to know Italian or learn it along with the student in order to interpret in the classes.  The ASL interpreter could then accompany him on the trip.

It is also possible that the student may be interested in studying Italian Sign Language (ISL) rather than Italian. Both are foreign languages. By learning Italian Sign Language, he not only learns another language but also can access ISL interpreters while in Italy.  To learn to sign ISL, the student may be able to access dictionaires or videos from Italian Deaf organizations. The Mason Perkins Deafness Fund in Italy is also an excellent resource if the student wants to locate an interpreter or student overseas who knows both Italian and American Sign Languages. There is also a program specific for learning ISL and Italian by deaf students in Sienna, Italy.

You may also consider contacting Gallaudet University for Deaf and hard of hearing students in Washington, DC. The University has a foreign language department that teaches Spanish, Italian, and French and they welcome Deaf and hard of hearing students and professionals from around the world.  They would be an excellent resource for your student to receive the basic instruction needed before heading overseas.

 Have a question? Email us at clearinghouse@miusa.org. We'll reply with information, contacts, tips.