A majority of learning takes place during interaction with other people. Total communication gives deaf people the tools to communicate with both hearing and non-hearing people. This enhances the student's understanding and allows him to learn in all environments. Without a total communication method it sometimes becomes difficult for the child to learn and grow outside of school, especially if he is part of a hearing family.
Total communication methods help build a student's confidence in verbally communicating with others. While deaf culture allows for the deaf to entirely isolate it that environment, those who can communicate with all types of people tend to have more options in life. The ability to function in the hearing world opens the door of opportunity for the deaf, despite their hearing impairment. The younger a student begins with vocalization, the clearer her speech will become. This helps when dealing with those in the hearing world.
The total communication method entails utilizing all resources. This includes hearing aids and computer chips that can adjust the frequency of some sounds. This allows for ease of functioning when outside the deaf community. Total communication also utilizes older techniques such as interpreters, written language and still encourages sign language. This form of schooling gives the deaf the most options when communicating with others. It not only aids in the deaf person's ability to share her thoughts but also helps her understand others, helping to eliminate some of the isolation experienced. Lip reading is a very important tool.
The stronger the deaf person becomes with various forms of communication the easier a transition into mainstream schooling will be. Not all students choose to attend a hearing school, but for those who want to keep options open, total communication remains the easiest route. Some people believe total communication including sign language is actually a disadvantage to the methodology, as they content it offers the deaf a crutch. When forced to lip read and vocalize, the process tends to go faster. Others believe it is important to give students the choice to reduce frustration in the learning process.