Inclusion Programmes for Students Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Saudsi Arabia: Issues and Recommendations

Abstract

The inclusive education of students who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh) in Saudi Arabia remains a major challenge because to the lack of the implementation of the Regulations of Special Education program and Institutes of Saudi Arabia (RSEPI). The Ministry of Education (2015) reported that d/Dhh students receive their education currently either in self-contained classrooms or in special institutes. This study explored the existing situation of the education of d/Dhh students in Saudi Arabia to identify weaknesses and ways to improve upon the services. Data were collected using survey and semi-structure interviews. Three themes emerged from teachers’ responses including 1) appropriate educational placement for students with hearing loss; 2) general classroom environment, and 3) perceived ability to teach students with hearing loss in the inclusive classroom.