Essential competencies for teaching students with hearing loss and additional disabilities.

Area of Science:

• Special Education
• Deaf Education
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Educating students with combined hearing loss and other disabilities presents unique challenges.
• A standardized understanding of necessary professional skills is currently lacking.
• Effective support requires professionals equipped with specific, targeted competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish an initial database of essential competencies for professionals.
• To identify key skills required for working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional disabilities.
• To inform the development of specialized training programs.

Main Methods:

• A national survey was distributed to program supervisors across the United States.
• Supervisors were instructed to pass the survey to staff members directly working with the target student population.
• Data was collected on perceived essential competencies for this specialized group.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive list of 67 specific competencies was identified by respondents.
• The findings underscore the diversity of needs within this student population.
• A clear need for enhanced, in-depth teacher training was indicated.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a foundational database of critical competencies.
• These competencies are vital for effective practice in deaf education for students with additional disabilities.
• The results strongly advocate for improved and specialized professional development opportunities.