Independent Living Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students: Results of a Nationwide Survey of School Programs

Abstract

This study of secondary school programs targeted all services to deaf and hard-ol-hearing (D/HH) students at schools listed in The American Annals of the Deaf Reference Issue (2006) as having programs serving D/HH students. Analyses compared topics of fered by residential schools, large public school programs (enrollment of 35 or more D/HH students), and small public school programs (enrollment of less than 35 D/HH students) to identify patterns in providing independent living coursework in three areas: (a) personal advocacy, (b) daily living, and (c) community and recreation services. ANOVA comparisons across the three program categories were not significant, indicating a similar level of services. Correlations were strongest for large and small programs, suggesting that the quantity of topics offered in one area of independent living was consistent with topics offered in other areas. Despite generally high levels of offerings, a number of schools indicated independent living coursework is available only to students with cognitive disabilities or if selected as electives. Survey results suggest the availability of many topics to secondary-age deaf and hard-of-hearing students, but also raised issues of depth and quality of offerings.