Supporting communication and learning of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in secondary schools: Perspectives of health and education professionals

This study, conducted in the province of Québec (Canada), aimed to explore the communication and learning needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) adolescents in mainstream secondary schools, as perceived by health and education professionals. Five focus groups were conducted via videoconference with 20 professionals working with DHH students (e.g. audiologists, special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, and interpreters). The data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Four themes were identified regarding the needs that professionals consider important to address in order to support communication and learning among DHH students in mainstream secondary schools: (1) the need for DHH students to be treated like other students; (2) the need for DHH students to evolve in an environment where school staff are aware of the impacts of deafness; (3) the need for DHH students for the presence of a supportive adult at school; and (4) the ongoing needs of DHH students regarding language, learning, and access to services. Based on these findings, insights are proposed to support communication and learning among DHH adolescents.