Resources to Support the Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) Population

Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)

Children and youth who are Deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) make up a very diverse population, making it difficult to make general statements about them as a group. Some of this diversity is rooted in factors like cultural, linguistic, social, medical, and physical variables. Because the Deaf or hard of hearing population is so diverse, it is critical to address the individual’s unique set of strengths and needs when planning to support teaching, learning and development. It is important to assist children and youth to develop the ability to exercise self-advocacy and self-determination and develop ways to access communication. This may include visual and signed language such as American Sign Language (ASL), acoustic communication through  audiological interventions, and technologies such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and amplification systems. A strengths-based approach also considers the ways in which children and youth who are Deaf or hard of hearing may best be able to access, understand and use information. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, combined with a responsive, whole-person approach, can support effective teaching, learning, and inclusion while addressing individual needs and preferences.  ~Quick Guide Supporting Children & Youth From Low-Incidence Populations

These resources are intended to provide professional learning for professionals working with children and youth in the deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) population.