Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH)

Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as: "Deaf and hard of hearing" means a diminished sensitivity to sound, or hearing loss, that is expressed in terms of standard audiological measures.

Hearing loss has the potential to affect educational, communicative, or social functioning that may result in the need for special education instruction and related services. Simply put, if a child has a teacher of deaf/hard of hearing on his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, then members should consider the Minnesota Rule for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The Minnesota Resource Center: Deaf/Hard of Hearing, part of MDE, is a statewide resource center providing information and resources to help families and educators meet the educational needs of Minnesota children and youth who have a hearing loss. Children and youth who have varying types and degrees of hearing loss may be eligible to receive special education and related services. See the Deaf and Hard of Hearing library for educational materials located at the Academy for the Deaf.