Accessible Computer Science for K-12 Students with Hearing Impairments

TL;DR

This paper presents a new accessible computer science curriculum designed specifically for K-12 students with hearing impairments, aiming to improve inclusivity in STEM education through innovative resources in American Sign Language.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel, early-stage design of an accessible block-based CS curriculum tailored for DHH students and sign interpreters, addressing a gap in existing online resources.

Findings

Initial curriculum design supports DHH students in learning complex CS concepts.

The project promotes inclusive engagement of hearing-impaired students in computing education.

Early feedback indicates potential for improved accessibility and understanding.

Abstract

An inclusive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce is needed to maintain America's leadership in the scientific enterprise. Increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM, including persons with disabilities, requires national attention to fully engage the nation's citizens in transforming its STEM enterprise. To address this need, a number of initiatives, such as AccessCSforALL, Bootstrap, and CSforAll, are making efforts to make Computer Science inclusive to the 7.4 million K-12 students with disabilities in the U.S. Of special interest to our project are those K-12 students with hearing impairments. American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary means of communication for an estimated 500,000 people in the United States, yet there are limited online resources providing Computer Science instruction in ASL. This paper introduces a new project designed to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) K-12 students and sign interpreters in acquiring knowledge of complex Computer Science concepts. We discuss the motivation for the project and an early design of the accessible block-based Computer Science curriculum to engage DHH students in hands-on computing education.