Introduction

=__A Brief Introduction __= __​__ Deaf or hard of hearing individuals are commonly referred to as the “hearing impaired”. Although this term may be accurate, it is deemed to be politically incorrect as those within the deaf/hard of hearing community feel as if this term “focuses on their inability” (National Association for Deaf People). Though the terms deafness and hard of hearing are often used synonymously, they are slightly different. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1990), deafness refers to the “hearing impairment that is so severe that the child is impaired in processing linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance” whereas hard of hearing is defined as a “an impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, that adversely affects a child’s educational performance”.

 Those who are deaf or hearing impaired have long been discriminated against within society. With that being said, it is not morally correct for those who are deaf/hard of hearing to be discriminated against, especially when it pertains to something as vital as education. Although, in some instances an individual education plan (IEP) may be necessary, often times there are alternative methods that do not involve removing them from the classroom that can enhance a deaf/hard of hearing person’s educational experiences.