You are invited to be in a research study of perspectives on literacy. You were selected as a possible participant because you are Deaf or hard of hearing. We ask that you read this form and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to be in the study.

The research study titled, “Deaf Literacy: What Works” is a senior project conducted by Hillary Hittner and The University of Minnesota. Ms. Hittner is an undergraduate who is graduating in May 2002 with a Bachelors of Arts in Honors Psychology and a Bachelors of Individualized Studies in Deaf Studies, Biological Psychology and Drug and Alcohol Studies.

There is an abundance of research concerning literacy development and the education of children who are Deaf/hard of hearing. Researchers have made many attempts to answer the question: What is better-speech or signing. However, the findings remain inconclusive since so many factors influence literacy development such as family support, communication, diversity in the classroom, the use of technology etc. Additionally, most of the research fails to ask Deaf/hard of hearing individuals directly what influences their ability to learn literacy skills. Thus, the purpose of this study is to obtain perspectives on English literacy from Deaf/hard of hearing individuals.

If you agree to be in this study, we would ask you to do the following things:

Participants are asked to fill out a forty-five question survey that is designed to take no more than ten minutes to complete. The survey is broken down into four domains that influence perceptions on English literacy; parental, educational, communication, and self.

There are no direct benefits nor risks to participating in this survey.

The records of this study will be kept private. In any sort of report we might publish, we will not include any information that will make it possible to identify a subject. Research records will be kept in a locked file; only researchers will have access to the records for educational purposes.

Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with the University of Minnesota. If you decide to participate, you are free to withdraw at any time without affecting those relationships.

If during the course of this research study, there are significant new findings discovered which might influence your willingness to continue, the researchers will inform you of those developments.

The researcher conducting this study is Hillary Grace Hittner. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you may contact her at hitt0012@umn.edu; Phone: (612) 840-8898 or Randy Fletcher (advisor) fletch002@umn.edu,

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher(s), contact Research Subjects’ Advocate line, D528 Mayo, 420 Delaware Street S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455; telephone (612) 625-1650.

Upon request, you will be given a copy of this form to keep for your records.

I have read the above information. I have asked questions and have received answers. I consent to participate in the study.

Signature ______________________________________________________ Date ________________

Signature of Investigator __________________________________________ Date ________________