Transition for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students: A Blueprint for Change

Area of Science:

• Education
• Audiology
• Disability Studies

Background:

• A significant and increasing number of deaf and hard-of-hearing adults are classified as "low-functioning deaf" (LFD).
• Many young individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing face unmet needs.
• High dropout rates persist among students with disabilities, particularly those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a critical re-evaluation and transformation of secondary educational programming.
• To address the needs of multiply disabled deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• To support individuals at risk of becoming LFD adults.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on transition services for adolescents with disabilities.
• Review of research specific to adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Analysis of current secondary programming effectiveness.

Main Results:

• The current system inadequately prepares deaf and hard-of-hearing youth for adulthood, contributing to the LFD population.
• Transition planning for students with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, requires significant enhancement.
• A gap exists between the needs of at-risk youth and the services provided.

Conclusions:

• There is a compelling need for systemic change in secondary education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• The findings suggest a return to more effective, historically validated approaches may be beneficial.
• Implementing improved transition programs is essential to reduce the incidence of LFD adults.