About DCD

The Division for Communication, Language, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DCD) is the official division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) that serves professionals interested in the education of children with special communication needs.

Mission Statement

The primary mission of DCD is to:

• Promote the welfare, development, and education of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with communication, language, and learning needs.
• Support professional development of service providers and foster the growth in families as they strive to better understand the educational, communication, language, and social/emotional needs of children.

Social Justice Statement 

DCD recognizes the importance of disability identity and its intersectionality with racial, cultural, religious, and gender identities. We advocate for educational practices that are respectful of intersectionalities and that promote safety and equity for individuals with communication challenges and their families. 

Strategic Plan 

• Establish strategies to recruit, engage, and retain membership.
• Advocate for the needs of individuals with communication challenges or who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Expand professional learning opportunities and resources.
• Undertake special projects in response to feedback from members, professionals, and other stakeholders in the field.