A Functional Classification for Independent Living For the Hearing Impaired

Cluster analysis was used to group a sample of 153 hearing-impaired persons according to seven independent living skills variables. The results indicated a meaningful classification for living, work and education could be achieved. All of the low group and the majority of the middle and high group members were presently placed in the lower levels of living, work and education. However, it was projected that most of the high group and many members of the middle could function at much higher levels if services were available. There was very little difference between the groups in degree of hearing loss. However, the low group had many more additional handicapping conditions.