Didactic education for the deaf or hard of hearing learner in a pharmacy curriculum: Commentary

There is a long-standing commitment in higher education to provide parallel experiences for students with disabilities, including those with hearing disabilities or impairments. The commitment remains the same in professional pharmacy school education, with the objective to train competent clinical pharmacy practitioners.

Limited literature exists to provide schools and colleges of pharmacy (S/COP) with best practices when accommodating students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHOH) in the didactic pharmacy curriculum. The authors will examine practices implemented at the COP to accommodate students with either a DHOH disability.

Students who are DHOH in didactic pharmacy education require individualized assistance to help ensure success throughout the program. A collaborative approach between the student, disability resources, student affairs office, faculty, and staff help ensure accommodations are met and fosters a culture of inclusiveness.