Health Care Considerations in Postsecondary Transition for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students

Transition planning is essential to support all students, and especially those with challenges because of their disabilities. This review addresses the legal requirements and guidance for transition planning with a focus on the health care considerations for students who are deaf or hard of hearing as they move from supervised technology use and medical care to greater independence as adults. By recognizing that the necessary training starts in the preschool years with simple tasks such as notifying others when a hearing aid is not working, audiologists can take a lead role in developing a more comprehensive plan, including health care considerations. Useful assessments of self-advocacy skills are provided that can be used to guide service providers to develop annual goals for a comprehensive transition plan with emphasis on three main areas: Health/Medical Skills, Hearing Technology and Use Skills, and Educational Services/Communication Access. Multiple resources are cited to assist hearing health care professionals in ensuring the students have access to an appropriate transition plan.