Disparities Among Cochlear Implant Users

This descriptive study aims to delineate the characteristics of select students with cochlear implants in Midwest public school districts and professionals who received consultation services. Researchers analyzed nine years archival grant data focused on communication modality, district locales, types service providers. Findings yielded that largest group communicated primarily using gestures vocalizations followed by spoken English. Of providers, almost all Deaf educators interpreters had a match their students. Results also revealed disproportionate number directly served deaf educator city/suburb locales compared rural/town. These findings suggest some may be underserved educators, especially rural areas.