13 Deafness

This section includes the IDEA definition of the disability from federal law, along with specific information about eligibility criteria in Virginia. In addition, there is information about the prevalence, causes, and characteristics of this disability, along with specific strategies and accommodations that can meet the needs of students with this disability.

IDEA Definition

§ 300.8 (c) (3)

Deafness means a hearing impairment that is so severe that the child is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance.

Eligibility Criteria

VDOE Supplemental Guidance for Evaluation and Eligibility (PDF) – Virginia-specific guidance document that includes sample eligibility checklist (Refer to Table of Contents pages 2-4 and click on page number for disability category)

Advocacy organizations

VDOE Deaf and Hard of Hearing  – The Virginia Department of Education lists a wide range of organizations for supporting children, youth, and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing based on communication preferences.

ABOUT deafness

Prevalence

Visit the US Department of Education’s Open Data Platform to access IDEA Child Count Data by disability category, age, and other demographic and special education variables.

CDC Data & Statistics about Hearing Loss in Children

Causes

Deafness — A Range of Causes from the Better Health Channel of the Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia

Characteristics

Chapter 2: Definitions, Identification, and Professionals – This section from the web-based resource, Students with Vision and Hearing Loss, provides basic information about hearing loss, learning characteristics, and educational supports.

Deaf People & Perspectives on Deafness – This page from the Hands & Voices website, features a wide range of articles that share the perspectives and experiences of deaf people including descriptions of school-based and childhood experiences as well as post-secondary outcomes and employment.

instructional strategies and accommodations / modifications

Guidelines for Working with Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Virginia Public Schools (PDF) – Developed by the Virginia Department of Education in collaboration with The Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University, this document provides information about the unique needs of deaf students as well as comprehensive guidance for assessment, instruction, and supports.

resources

Deafness – This PowerPoint slide deck provides basic information about deafness and hearing loss.

Understanding terminology & Deaf culture – On this webpage, the National Association of the Deaf shares frequently asked questions about terminology and Deaf culture.