Problems Faced by Deaf Individuals in Finding Jobs

Statistics on how many people are deaf in the United States vary greatly due to lack of a consistent definition of "deaf," as pointed out by Paul Bacon of the Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBS). Bacon asserts, however, that as many as 20 million Americans may be hard of hearing, with 400,000 more being profoundly deaf. These individuals sometimes experience difficulty in finding work because of their disability.

Prejudice

• Despite efforts to reduce prejudice against them, the deaf and hard-of-hearing still sometimes encounter discrimination by employers and in everyday living. Employers may perceive these individuals as less capable or less intelligent, or may simply be reluctant to hire a deaf person due to lack of familiarity with the condition. Some employers may worry about how clients will perceive the employee.

Lack of Empathy and Understanding

• Employers and co-workers who lack awareness of challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing are consequently ill-equipped to understand how to help the new employee feel welcomed by the group. Few will know, for example, how important it is to look at the new person while speaking to aid in lip reading. This lack of connection may result in the employee becoming isolated in the workplace even if the employer and co-workers are not actually prejudiced against the deaf or hard-of-hearing worker.

Communication Issues

• A deaf or hard-of-hearing person has no guarantee that his employer and co-workers will know sign language. Communicating via an interpreter or in writing may lengthen the interview process, which can be frustrating to both the potential employee and the employer.

Transportation

• Most deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals adjust well to getting around on their own. When looking for a job, however, a deaf or hard-of-hearing individual may have to use public transportation methods to reach their interview locations. Visual updates are not always posted, which can cause not only confusion but can cause the challenged job-seeker to miss the interview entirely.

Legal Considerations

• By law, employers are not supposed to deny the deaf or hard-of-hearing the opportunity to work if qualified to do the job. Employers also are obligated to make reasonable accommodations for a deaf or hard-of-hearing employee. Employers who discriminate put themselves at risk for civil suits.

Viable Solutions

• Interpreters can help with communication issues, while technological advances that provide updates on cellular and other mobile devices may lessen transportation concerns. Prejudice in the workplace is harder to address and requires creating basic awareness and providing ethics training. Giving a deaf or hard-of-hearing person the opportunity to talk to their employer and co-workers about their disability also may help.