D/HH Plus
*A Hands & Voices Headquarters Project
"D/HH Plus is meant to be a positive term, not in any way negative or insensitive to the child who has medical issues along with hearing loss. In fact, I see it as an “A+” or “B+,” meaning the child carries additional positive qualities. But it is a gift that needs to be carefully unwrapped. And it may not appear to be a gift when you first receive it. Time helps you appreciate, understand and unfold the possibilities. And the ‘Plus’ most often means the child and family have added responsibilities and requires additional expertise.”
– Candace Lindow-Davies, MN Parent
Why is D/HH Plus Different than D/HH alone?
The combined impact of a child being deaf or hard of hearing and having additional challenges can result in complexities in identification of the child’s needs/strengths and complexities in how best to provide services, find qualified providers, and appropriately support the child and family. Without careful attention, being D/HH Plus may contribute to a sense of social isolation for the child and family.
What does “Plus” represent?
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40 to 60% of D/HH population is estimated to have health challenges
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Challenges may involve:
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Intellectual/cognitive processing
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Emotional, mental health and behavioral functioning
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Learning
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ADD/ADHD
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Down Syndrome
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Vision loss or blindness
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Cerebral palsy, orthopedic involvement or other physical challenges
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Autism
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Seizures
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Other
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