Lived Experiences of Deaf Teachers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The acquisition of employment is described as life-changing for deaf people. To date, there are few and limited employment opportunities available for them. This phenomenological study focuses on exploring the lived experiences of deaf teachers. It is crucial that we gain a better understanding of the experience of deaf teachers to generate a new area of focus deaf people in the field of employment.

METHODS

To gain insight into the nature of the occupational experiences of deaf teachers, a focus group interview was conducted to 3 deaf teachers. Participants were gathered through snowballing technique, wherein the chosen participant of the researcher recruited other participants who would participate in the study. Rich and pure subjective data were analyzed via phenomenology.

RESULTS

The analysis of the data led to the emergence of six essential themes, identified as: (1) being in control; (2) equality and inclusion in the workplace; (3) feeling of belongingness and relatedness; (4) support provider; (5) job satisfaction and motivation; and (6) difficulty and challenges. Findings of the study suggest that deaf teachers' positive working environment and experience can be influenced by professional identity, personal attribution, accommodation, and inclusive practices, relatedness to significant others, support and network, job satisfaction and motivation, and ability to adapt to difficulties and challenges.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the consolidated findings, the researcher offers these recommendations: (a) upgraded education and skills training; (b) equitable accommodation and inclusion; (c) expansion of support groupand network; (d) break the negative perceptions about deaf people; (e) expanded access to flexible working opportunities; and (f) comprehensive implementation of government's policies and mandates aiming for the development of sustenance and enhanced occupational opportunities for deaf teachers. The researcher also encourages the replication of this study and exploration of additional queries to explore the lived experiences of deaf teachers.