Using the Scale of Independent Behavior With Hearing-impaired Students

Social competence and independent functional behavior of children with hearing impairments is an area of growing interest to parents, educators, and researchers alike. This study reports the independent-social behaviors as measured by the Scales of Independent Behavior (SIB). Twenty-five parents of children with hearing impairments and 25 parents of hearing children were asked to complete measures of independent behavior. Hearing and hearing-impaired children demonstrated equivalent independent social behaviors in areas of motor development, personal living, and community living. Significant discrepancies were identified in home-community orientation, money and value, and social and communication skills. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for intervention programs.