Equity in Assessment for Individuals Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Description

Equity in the assessment of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) is essential for the generation of fair and accurate information on their skills and abilities. In response to a call for more equity from several different constituencies, PEPNet hosted a summit and a webinar to begin dialog around the issue of test equity for individuals who are DHH. This paper synthesizes the presentations and white papers on equity issues from this initial dialog. Topics discussed here include issues related to test norms; the prevalence and influence of additional disabilities; the use of interpreters; and domain specific-tests (e.g., intellectual functioning, psychosocial/emotional functioning, achievement, aptitude, and interest). Recommendations include the importance of a having skilled test administrator and using an interpreter as a partner during the assessment process and the importance of test accommodations and modifications to ensure equity in assessment for individuals who are DHH.

Citation

Sligar, S. R., Cawthon, S., Morere, D., & Moxley, A. (2013). Equity in assessment for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Journal of the American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association47(1), 110–127.