The Division for Communication, Language, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DCD)

The Division for Communication, Language, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DCD) is a significant component of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), a major international organization dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities. The DCD focuses particularly on issues related to communication, language, and deaf or hard of hearing populations.

Mission

The Division's mission centers around promoting effective communication for all individuals, particularly those with communication and language disorders. It supports education, advocacy, and research to enhance communication techniques and accessibility for these populations.

Activities and Impact

• Advocacy: The DCD advocates for policies and practices that improve communication access and quality of life for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes efforts to increase awareness about the importance of early hearing detection and intervention.
• Education: It supports the development of educational resources and professional development opportunities for teachers and other professionals working with deaf or hard of hearing individuals.
• Collaboration: The Division collaborates with other organizations to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of its target populations, often working closely with the Council for Exceptional Children's other divisions.

Associated Organizations

The DCD works alongside various national and international organizations to advance its mission, including the Council for Exceptional Children, with whom it is closely affiliated.

Role in Special Education

The Division plays a crucial role in special education by promoting practices that support students with communication disorders. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary teams and collaboration among educators, therapists, and families to provide effective education and support.

This organization is distinct from other entities with similar names, and its activities are focused on supporting communication and language services within the context of special education and exceptional children.