Inclusion and hearing impairment: A case study

This study investigated the effect of inclusive practice for a student with hearing - impairment. The findings of the case study provide a valuable resource for classroom teachers, to assist them and guide them in teaching a student who is hard of hearing or deaf.

During the 1970's and 1980's, Australian and New Zealand special education theory and practice, and education of the hearing -impaired (no less than other specialisation) were strongly influenced by the ideas of normalisation and mainstreaming. These ideas were gaining popularity from Scandinavian developments, the influence of PL94-142 (The Education of All Handicapped Children Act) in the United States and the Report of the Warnock Committee of Enquiry into special education in Great Britain.

Segregation has been most widely used as a method of dealing with disabled people. Students with disabilities (intellectual, physical and sensory) are a group of students who have traditionally been segregated educationally and a separate educational structure has been developed around them.

As the last decade of the twentieth century passes away, educators are coming to terms with change, which is seen to come out of a concept known as social justice. Inclusion is a complex topic. It ensures educational outcomes for all students and acknowledges that all students are learners.