Sixty preschool children (30 deaf and hard of hearing, 30 hearing) were observed in their integrated school during learning center activities and outdoor play. Half experienced auditory communication and half total communication modes. Although all children preferred to play and communicate with same-hearing status children, 63% did communicate…

This paper examines the construct of evidence-based practice, how existing data on the effectiveness of the Auditory-Verbal (A-V) approach for children with hearing loss are evaluated within this construct, and whether implementation of an A-V intervention model is therefore justified. It concludes with a recurrent call for action towards…

A preschool/kindergarten program that serves 18 students with deafness/hearing impairments and 11 hearing children uses music activities to develop speech, audition, language, and movement and to further explore current classroom themes. A deaf teacher models body movements, signs, rhythm, and facial expressions while a hearing teacher models…

Cochlear implants have tremendous potential to aid profoundly deaf students in achieving competency in using spoken communication. Children with cochlear implants do not perceive sound in the same way as normal hearing individuals do, and realizing their potential requires long-term intensive instruction and the utilization of a multidisciplinary…

A survey was conducted of 100 graduates (ages 7-17) of an auditory/oral Australian preschool for children with hearing impairments (92 integrated with hearing peers and 8 segregated). Most children perceived their academic progress to be average or above; nearly all received audiological support; over one-third received speech therapy and…

An overview is provided of (a) deaf education in China, (b) views of deaf Chinese, and (c) recent empowering international collaborations. China's national policy focuses on oral/aural education and hearing rehabilitation. However, everyday practice in schools for deaf children includes various forms of Chinese Sign Language. Early childhood…

An Australian oral/aural program for students with hearing impairments fosters independence and independent learning by teaching cognitive and metacognitive skills. Factors attributing to the program's success include careful planning for integration, a clear understanding of support teachers' roles, special programs to meet individual needs, and…

Contends music education can help hearing-impaired students achieve both academic and social goals of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1990). Describes instructional content and methods of elementary program utilizing sign language, vocal music, and keyboard computer music systems. Concludes with description of school performance in…

A survey questionnaire was distributed to 211 speech and hearing clinicians to assess the changes in the special education process resulting from Massachusetts Special Education Law--Chapter 766, which calls for mainstream reform in the form of individually planned educational programs which involve parents in the educational planning process.…

A survey was conducted of 100 graduates (ages 7-17) of an auditory/oral preschool in Australia for children with hearing impairments, with 92 being integrated with hearing peers and 8 segregated. The majority of students reported that they used hearing aids consistently; used speech as their major mode of communication; and perceived themselves as…