Abstract

The deaf community within The United States is a unique community with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who share a common language and social network which include Deaf clubs, sports and theatre. The Deaf community supports Deaf children and their families. It is a place where Deaf people have a sense of belonging in the same way that people from different ethnic backgrounds share experience when they gather (Padden, 1988). Padden (1988) further noted that the Deaf community is growing in adversity; it is not a single society with one purpose which one can sign up for;. It is a diverse meeting of individuals who come together for many purposes but who share some basic experience, communication and commitment. The communication will be in sign language. The commitment will be to support other deaf people and to have a place to meet. According to (Jamie Berke) 2008, the Deaf community is protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which provides free and appropriate early intervention services from birth to 3 years of age and covers school years (age 3-21 years). If a student is eligible under IDEA or has a 504 plan, the school must ensure the hearing aids are functioning properly, the student has access to assistive technology (such as an FM system), and that those using assistive technology - including teachers - are trained properly in the care and use of that technology.