This article is about the deaf education methods debate in the public schools of Toronto, Canada. The author demonstrates how pure oralism (lip-reading and speech instruction to the complete exclusion of sign language) and day school classes for deaf schoolchildren were introduced as a progressive school reform in 1922. Plans for further oralist…

A survey of the methods of communication used at special schools and units for the hearing-impaired in the United Kingdom showed that the oral method is used in about 90 percent of the unit classes. Findings revealed a rapidly increasing trend to total communication. (Author)

The article analyzes the controversy over total communication vs. oralism in the education of hearing impaired students, notes the differences between speech and language, and suggests points to be considered by parents in deciding on one or the other approach. (CL)

Principles of using Cued Speech with deaf children are discussed. Review of the literature suggests that Cued Speech has been unjustly criticized. Cued speech should be seen not as a method of communication, but rather as an intervention tool with application for both aural-oral and Total Communication programs. (Author/DB)

This article discusses placement and educational approaches for students with hearing impairments including what the law provides, what students need, what conflicts exist, and implications for practice. The major principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997 amendments) are summarized. A continuum of placement options is…

This paper on speech production in children and youth with hearing impairments focuses on ways to foster clear speech throughout the daily classroom routine and curriculum. It describes elements of the program at the Montreal Oral School for the Deaf in Quebec, Canada, such as early intervention, maximal use of hearing, and parent participation.…

This study investigated factors contributing to auditory, speech, language, and reading outcomes in 136 children (ages 8-9) with prelingual deafness after 4-6 years of cochlear implants. While child and family characteristics accounted for 20% of outcome variance, the primary rehabilitative factor was educational emphasis on oral-aural…

This paper provides a legal update on the role of the judiciary in determining an appropriate communication method for teaching hearing-impaired students. The paper concludes that the judiciary has consistently upheld the right of educational agencies to determine educational methodologies while attempting to protect hearing-impaired individuals'…