Deafness

Disability Categories

Definition

An IDEA disability category for a hearing impairment so severe that the child cannot process linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification. This adversely affects educational performance. Students who are deaf may communicate through sign language, cued speech, or other methods.

Legal Reference:34 C.F.R. § 300.8(c)(3)

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Related Terms

Hearing ImpairmentHI

An IDEA disability category for a hearing loss (whether permanent or fluctuating) that adversely affects educational performance but is not included under the definition of deafness. Students with hearing impairments may use hearing aids, FM systems, or other amplification devices.

More in Disability Categories

Apraxia of Speech ADHD APD ASD Deaf-Blindness DD Dyscalculia Dysgraphia

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