As educators, it's vital to recognize the challenges that deaf high school students face while navigating a predominantly hearing-centric education system. However, their experiences also offer valuable perspectives and insights that are often overlooked. We asked high school students from our Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing program to share their stories, including their challenges and triumphs. By amplifying their voices, we hope to bring greater awareness and support to schools that may not be the most accessible for deaf students.
The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio’s Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Special Education Program has provided comprehensive services for more than 30 years. The program’s purpose is to meet the learning needs of students across the full continuum of hearing loss - from mild to profound.
Expertise by specially trained and licensed professionals in hearing loss and deafness is coupled with the content specialization of regular education professionals. ESC professionals work collaboratively with district educators to provide a rich model for inclusive education in the student’s least restrictive environment. Parents are key members of the team in developing individualized services for their child. Their involvement has been a cornerstone since the programs’ inception.
The unique learning styles of students with hearing loss are addressed in a regular education environment. While the regular classroom is the primary learning site, direct instruction and support in all content areas are also utilized in resource rooms.
We asked students in our Deaf/HoH program these questions to get their perspectives on the high school experience
What has been the most challenging aspect of your high school experience as a deaf student?
- Figuring out schoolwork and how to self-advocate for myself.
- The most challenging aspect as a deaf high school student is that some classrooms are noisy, and the interpreter can’t hear every comment which affects my learning and feelings of being included.
- When teachers wore masks during COVID and even a few still wear them.
- Being in class with a teacher that doesn’t have deaf experience.
- Communication with others and a language barrier within the school.
- Direct communication is sometimes difficult because of the language barrier.
- My ears and eyes get tired from working so hard.
- Not being able to talk to hearing kids and staff because we struggle to understand or hear the whole message.
How has your school accommodated your needs?
- I have an IEP (individualized education plan) which lists my needs.
- IEP goals and activities, our program and its specialty it brings, and interpreters.
- Yes, school has provided a lot for me. For example, interpreters, study guides, studying support and helped me with assignments when I most needed it. Vocabulary and writing assignments are the toughest.
- To let us have an interpreter to have access to in the school.
- We have interpreters, extended time, and a Deaf Ed. room for support and to level the playing field.
Have you ever felt excluded or left out because of your deafness?
- Yes, I can. One time I went to a dance club, and when I got there I just felt really left out because everyone was dancing in groups and I didn’t know which to join. So I just left.
- Yes, people have excluded me because of my deafness. They think because I’m deaf I can’t do normal things on my own, and that I need help daily.
- Yes, always. If I’m in a group of full hearing people, I’ll always get left out no matter what.
- Yes, for sports. Sometimes the team or coaches forget that I’m deaf and I need access to the things I need.
- Some teachers don’t understand our needs, like for example, some teachers don't realize I couldn’t annotate the book while she was reading out loud, but I informed her and allowed me to just annotate the pages for homework instead.
- Yes, sometimes people chat with each other, but the person won't explain to me the whole story even though if I were hearing, I would have heard the story.
- It is hard to communicate with the hearing students, but it is nice that there are ASL classes here, so I have more people to talk with.
Have you found it difficult to communicate with your peers or teachers?
- Not really since the interpreters are always available.
- Sometimes, yes. I typically discuss with interpreters to try to improve communication for me.
- Luckily, not as much as it was in middle school.
- No, it’s not difficult to communicate with peers and teachers.
- No, I don’t because if I need to talk to them, I'll get an interpreter to interpret for me.
- I mostly talk with the deaf students and eat lunch with people I can directly communicate with in sign language.
- Yes, I have found it difficult to communicate with people because I don’t know them well enough to read their lips and to address this issue, I would use an interpreter to help me communicate. It's not easy to address this.
What do you love about being in a school with hearing peers and hearing teachers?
- Access to challenging curriculum
- High expectations
- Many clubs and after school activities
- Different kinds of kids and families
- I like it that I get to have other deaf friends, but also hearing friends in my classes
- People are nice to me
- I feel supported
- I feel unique in a big hearing school
- I love to make friends with hearing people in my classes
- Feeling successful and know I can do what any hearing students can do
- Socializing with both hearing and deaf peers
- Feeling confident for my life after high school
What advice would you give to other deaf students who are starting high school?
- I would suggest that they build a relationship with the Deaf Ed. staff they work with so they can ask for what they need easily.
- Have a nice and light conversation with interpreters to make them feel more immersed and comfortable in the class.
- Build advocacy skills and courage to tell someone whenever they aren’t communicating with you and let them know how they can improve that.
- Try not to stress and teachers are incredibly open to what you need. AND IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, find your TOD (Teacher of the Deaf). They are always there for you!
- Be deaf-proud and advocate for yourself!!
- Be yourself and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Never give up and follow your dreams.
These perspectives from deaf students in our Deaf and Hard of Hearing program are a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and support. These students have shown that with the right resources and accommodations, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. It is essential for educators and districts to continue advocating for inclusivity and accessibility for all students, regardless of their abilities. By working together, we can ensure that every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
If you’d like to know more about the ESC’s Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing program, visit our website.