This article offers a theoretical and practical comparison between the special education systems for the deaf in Finland and Mexico. The theoretical approach of research perspectives in Chou et al. (2014) and Hellsten (2020) supports this study. We focus on how the gaps in special education that are present as early as elementary school increase the difficulties of integrating Mexican pupils with special educational needs (SEN) at university. We review the experience in education of deaf students in Finland and the feedback of deaf teachers and researchers. The aim of the paper is to contribute to improved access to comprehensive and high-quality bilingual education for the deaf in developing countries.