The theoretical, political and practical challenges facing the psychosocial potential maximisation of people who are deaf

Master of EducationIt has been reported that there is a dearth of knowledge linking people who are deaf with maximisation of psychosocial potential. Contemporary thought on deafness tends to focus on what a deaf person cannot do. It creates a negative view of living with deafness in an educational, vocational and social light. This can ignite pervasive forces of stigmatisation and victimisation. This is a primarily psycho-sociological thesis that investigates the theoretical, political and practical challenges facing people who are deaf. It focuses on what deaf people can do. As a theoretical critique, it explores ideological factors that play significant roles in the integration of deaf people into society. The empirical data was gathered from 16 participants who were randomly selected adults with greater than moderate deafness in both ears. They completed a survey relating a diverse range of psychosocial experiences and showed high levels of psychosocial competence. Analysis of the survey data show that through utilising technological aids and pursuing numerous social avenues they showed that they could maximise their psychosocial potential as both members of mainstream society and/or people who are culturally Deaf. This thesis provides greater in-depth understanding of psychosocial issues for people who are deaf - in particular issues the theoretical, political and practical nature. Shedding new light on deafness related research and practice, it can be beneficial for parents of children who are deaf, various professionals who work with people who are deaf, and deaf people themselves