Disability Categories » Deafness

Deafness

1. Definition

Deafness means a 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. The child has:

(1) an inability to communicate effectively due to Deafness; and/or

(2) an inability to perform academically on a level commensurate with the expected level because of Deafness; and/or

(3) delayed speech and/or language development due to Deafness.

2. Evaluation

The characteristics identified in the Deafness Definition are present.

Evaluation Procedures

Evaluation of Deafness shall include the following:

(1) audiological evaluation;

(2) evaluation of speech and language performance;

(3) school history and levels of learning or educational performance;

(4) observation of classroom performance; and

(5) documentation, including observation and/or assessment, of how Deafness adversely impacts the child’s educational performance in his/her learning environment.

Evaluation Participants

Information shall be gathered from the following persons in the evaluation of Deafness:

(1) the parent;

(2) the child’s general education classroom teacher;

(3) a licensed special education teacher;

(4) a licensed physician or audiologist;

(5) a licensed speech/language teacher or specialist; and

(6) other professional personnel, as indicated.