Abstract
The Deaf, hard of hearing and Deafblind communities in Canada, hereafter referred to as the collective Deaf community, is a small, unique and diverse community, particularly those for whom American Sign Language (ASL) or Quebec Sign language (langue des signes quebecoise, LSQ) is their primary language. Members of the community experience mental health challenges at a frequency at least equal to those of the dominant non-Deaf community, though research suggests it is at a rate up to four times that of the non-Deaf community. This paper shares the findings of a qualitative, phenomenological study, with a mixed Deaf and hearing research team, which sought to explore the health and mental health access experiences of Deaf Sign Language users both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporating on-line surveys, focus groups and individual interviews, the findings highlight that persistent audism, a form of oppression based on a belief of hearing superiority, appears to be at the center of the barriers and challenges reported, resulting in an inadequate mental health support system, little targeted service provider professional development training for service providers, or accessible educational services to support professional development within the community itself. The human toll is deep and long-lasting in the Deaf community. Implications for social work practice and policy development as well as practical recommendations to promote full and equal access for this community will be presented in this joint (spoken) English and ASL presentation.
Presenters
Tracey BoneAssociate Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Deaf Community, Cultural Studies, Mental Health
