Service Providers' Perspective on the Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and English Learners

The researchers examine the perspectives of service providers involved in educating students who are both deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and English Learners (EL). Using qualitative phenomenology methodology, the researchers interviewed eight service providers in one school district about their perspectives on the unique challenges and issues related to educating students who are DHH EL. An overarching finding was the uniqueness of each individual student, which was found in the combination of factors, or "influencers of diversity" (Leigh, 2008, p. 25), for each student. The service providers reported that the students had unique communication, academic, and cultural needs beyond what one would expect to see only in EL or only in DHH learners. The results provide insights into service providers' challenges and needs and how they are met in the provision of effective services to DHH EL students.