Hearing Impaired or Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Which Term Should Oregon Use?

A request has been made to change the term used to refer to a hearing loss that establishes a student’s eligibility for special education services from “Hearing Impairment” to “Deaf/Hard of Hearing”.

Individuals have expressed that the term “Hearing Impairment” implies a negative connotation and is outdated. The term “Deaf/Hard of Hearing” is perceived as an all-inclusive term representing individuals with a wide range of hearing loss and cultural affiliation.

Question Title

* 1. Demographic Information, please check all that apply:

School District Special Education Staff Member

School District Administrative Staff Member

EI/ECSE Staff Member

EI/ECSE Administrative Staff Member

Low Incidence Regional Program Staff Member

Low Incidence Regional Program Administrative Staff Member

Medical Staff Member

Individual who is Deaf/HH

Parent of a child who is Deaf/HH

State Advisory Council for Special Education Member

State Interagency Coordinating Council Member

FACT Oregon Staff Member

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. Should Oregon change the term used to refer to a hearing loss that establishes a student’s eligibility for special education services from “Hearing Impaired” to “Deaf/Hard of Hearing”?

Yes

Hearing Impaired or Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Which Term Should Oregon Use?

Question Title

* 1. Demographic Information, please check all that apply:

Question Title

* 2. Should Oregon change the term used to refer to a hearing loss that establishes a student’s eligibility for special education services from “Hearing Impaired” to “Deaf/Hard of Hearing”?

Question Title

* 3. If yes, why do you prefer to use the term “Deaf/Hard of Hearing”?

Question Title

* 4. If no, why do you prefer to continue to use the term “Hearing Impairment”?