The education system for deaf children in Germany is diverse and offers different options depending on the individual needs of the children. Deaf children have access to various educational facilities and support systems to develop their language, social and cognitive skills.

1. Early intervention: Deaf children receive special support at an early age to support their linguistic and communicative development. Early intervention centers offer support in both German Sign Language (DGS) and spoken language.

2. Special schools: there are specialized schools for deaf and hearing-impaired children that cater to the specific needs of the pupils. These schools offer sign language instruction and focus on children’s language and social development.

3. Integrative and inclusive education: more and more deaf children are attending mainstream schools, often in inclusive classes, where they are taught together with hearing children. Here they receive special support, for example through sign language interpreters or special offers of assistance. The aim is inclusive education where deaf children and their hearing peers learn from each other.

4. Vocational training and studies: Even after leaving school, young deaf people have the opportunity to complete vocational training or study. Universities and technical colleges offer barrier-free services, for example through sign language interpreters and special support measures. There are also special counseling services that support deaf students.

The legal basis for access to education for deaf children in Germany is regulated by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Social Insurance Code IX in Germany, which promotes equal participation in educational opportunities. In practice, quality and access to education varies by region and school.

There are still challenges, especially in terms of communication accessibility, but efforts are underway to further improve the education system for deaf children.

Bota Ramona
Educational Psychologist and German Sign Language Teacher

German Sign Language School Department, Munich
Association of the Deaf in and around Munich