Government Context
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The Fight for Deaf Culture in Society
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Underfunded/Closed Deaf Schools
Underfunded/Closed Deaf Schools
There are growing trends with some state governments seeking to cut costs by underfunding or closing state schools for the deaf across the country. These proposals by state government officials and legislators are often based on the following factors:
-Underestimating the financial costs and emotional effects of sending students to mainstream schools
-Lack of understanding of deaf and hard of hearing students’ needs
-Lack of understanding about the needed support services and resources for deaf and hard of hearing students such as interpreters
In the United States, there are an estimated 308,648 deaf or hard of hearing children between the ages of 5 and 17. Of these, approximately 75,000 are on IEPs, and roughly 20.8% are in specialized schools and programs for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Lack of Resources
Lack of Resources
Communication Barriers: The majority use of verbal communication to teach information can pose significant challenges for deaf/hard of hearing students.
Lack of Resources: Lack of assistive devices, captioning services, or interpreters, resulting in lack of understanding for many of the students.
Limited Training: Mainstream teachers do not have appropriate training to educate these students successfully.
Social Isolation: Students who don't understand or comprehend what is said and happening can feel isolation or exclusion from the majority. The lack of awareness from others can create barriers.
Education Struggle: Without having the resources, support, and accommodations can create a downfall in the students performance in school due to the lack of comprehension and comfort in the classroom.
Policies for Accommodations for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Students in the Classroom:
Ensure comfortable lighting
Reduce visual noise
Semi circle seating
Use of visual supports
Close captioning
Inclusive classroom
Give additional notes
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