Family Involvement in Schools with Deaf and Hard ofHearing Children

Families are involved in their children’s lives in many different ways. Its importance for children’s academic success, whether hearing or deaf, is supported by research. No study has examined family perceptions of family involvement in schools with deaf or hard of hearing children. The purpose of this study was to examine family perceptions of their involvement in schools, how schools encourage family involvement, suggestions families have for schools to promote family involvement, and barriers to family involvement in schools serving deaf and hard of hearing children. Families with deaf or hard of hearing children completed a survey based on the Epstein Model that covered six types of family involvement: Parenting, Communicating, Volunteering, Learning at home, Decision making, and Collaborating with community. For the purpose of this study, a seventh type, Deaf related issues, was added to address the unique needs of families with deaf and hard of hearing children. Reccomendations and suggestions to remove barriers are made for enhancing family involvement within schools and preparing future teachers.