Distance Education for d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Support

Abstract

Background: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic. This prompted many countries, including Saudi Arabia, to suspend students’ attendance at schools and to start distance education. This sudden shift in the educational system has affected students’ learning, particularly for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (d/Dhh) students, who have unique language and communication needs. Aim: This study explores the challenges and support methods for d/Dhh students during their distance education in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A qualitative research study using semistructured interviews was conducted with 37 parents of d/Dhh students to answer the research questions. Results: Three themes emerged from the parents’ responses: (1) the challenges faced by d/Dhh students in distance education; (2) the specific needs of d/Dhh students in distance education; and (3) the supports provided to d/Dhh students in distance education. Conclusions: Distance education is a strategic choice, and parents must be informed about how to use the Madrasati e-learning platform effectively by providing solutions and supports. Additionally, d/Dhh students require various forms of ongoing support from both their families and schools to ensure that they succeed and benefit from their experiences.