Our Program Philosophy

The Deaf/Hard of Hearing specialization in the Department of Special Education is committed to providing students with an understanding of various communication/educational approaches and current applications, emphasizing the research basis for each approach. The program strongly supports a bilingual/bicultural approach, and facilitates the development of sensitivity on the part of future teachers in the field of Deaf Education toward the communication and cultural needs of deaf individuals. Candidates seeking a teaching credential in Deaf Education must demonstrate communicative competence in expressive and receptive American Sign Language. We are further committed to the appropriateness of a continuum of service options in order to meet the needs of deaf individuals, and believe that the individualization of placement and programs in the foundation of quality education.