The Deaf: An Exploration of Their Participation in Community Life

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the perceptions of seven individuals who defined themselves as culturally Deaf about the nature of their participation in both Deaf and hearing communities. This study was conducted in partnership with a community group that advises a municipal administration about disability rights issues. Semi-structured interviews using a phenomenological approach were completed with the aid of American Sign Language interpreters. Data were analyzed using constant comparisons to determine whether emergent themes fit the Person-Environment-Occupation Model. Feedback about the analysis was sought through a member-checking group of participants and themes were adjusted as needed. Participants reported that the main barrier to participation within both the hearing and the Deaf communities was difficulty with communication. This “great divide” resulted in disadvantages in education, limited access to competitive employment, diminished social opportunities, and fewer financial and service resources. The Person-Environment-Occupation Model proved a useful framework for conceptualizing findings.