The focus of this study is to gain a cross-cultural perspective on literacy development and instruction for the deaf and hard of hearing in order to improve a mid-sized university's humanitarian study away endeavors in rural Nicaragua. The project explores views on deafness and literacy, reviews common literacy practices for children with hearing loss and addresses implications for future research in the area of literacy for deaf and hard of hearing populations at both local and international levels. It includes data from interviews conducted with educators of the deaf and hard of hearing both in the mid-west United States and from towns in rural Nicaragua. Data was also taken from classroom observations and literacy assessments conducted with children who have hearing loss. The outline of a workshop developed for Nicaraguan special education teachers will also be presented. The examination of these two regions' views and literacy practices used with deaf and hard of hearing populations make for a strong and meaningful collaboration.