Why are testing accommodations especially important for deaf students?

Accommodations make sure tests measure what they’re supposed to—knowledge, skills, or aptitude—not barriers caused by disability. For deaf students, this matters a lot because:

• Many tests end up measuring English skills or language access instead of subject knowledge.
• Deaf students have diverse language backgrounds shaped by family, school, and communication experiences.
• Without the right accommodations, scores may not reflect a student’s true abilities and could unfairly limit access to college, certification, or jobs.