Special Education of Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Advancing Values

Abstract

The education of deaf and hard of hearing (d/DHH) students is largely dependent on the preferred mode of communication. Historically, the mode of communication for d/DHH students was determined by society rather than by students and families. This resulted in divisiveness between the Deaf culture and proponents of oral communication. The adoption of IDEA allowed family participation in the decision-making process. Advances in technology increased student access to sound, resulting in more educational placement options. Despite the positive changes, the complex nature of hearing loss and the wide variety in cultural considerations have made it difficult to determine the best approach to deaf education. Thus, educators and providers are left in a conundrum of which version of “traditional” deaf education is best for students.

Citation

Martin, A. and Cox, J. (2024), "Special Education of Students Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Advancing Values", Obiakor, F.E. and Bakken, J.P. (Ed.) Special Education (Advances in Special Education, Vol. 38), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 69-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0270-401320240000038005