Research findings and descriptive articles pertaining to media, materials, and technology (MMT) which provide access to education of deaf and hard of hearing children from early childhood through eighth grade are reviewed and summarized. An introduction discusses the purpose and goal of the study; the target population; characteristics of deaf and hard of hearing children; degree of hearing loss; age of onset; language of the home; sign skills of teachers; types of educational programs and communication methodologies (oralism, total communication, bilingual/bicultural programs, cued speech); and educational placement alternatives (self-contained classes, partial mainstreaming, social mainstreaming, and full mainstreaming). The report then synthesizes the research in five chapters on the following areas: (1) assistive technology for education, including listening aids, visually based aids, and computer systems; (2) receptive skill development (audition and speech reading); (3) English language development and refinement; (4) media, materials, and technology for the development and educational use of American Sign Language; and (5) speech development. For each area, existing materials, developmental needs, and criteria and guidelines for optimal tools are discussed. Limitations of the research are also identified. An executive summary is included. (Individual chapters contain references.) (DB)