Deaf persons' computer use was studied (N = 227). Respondents
self-administered a survey in their preferred language (voice, American
Sign Language, captions, or printed English). A small nonparticipant
sample was also recruited. Demographics were consistent with those in
other studies of deaf people: 63% of respondents reported computer use,
mostly at home; 50% of nonparticipants reported computer use. Subjects
with hearing loss due to meningitis were less likely to use computers
(p = .0004). Computer use was associated with English usage at
home (p = .008), with hearing persons (p = .002), and
with physicians and nurses (p = .00001). It was also associated
with the use of Signed English as a child to communicate (p
= .02), teacher use of Signed English (p = .04), and teacher
use of ASL (p = .03). Two thirds of respondents reported using
computers, though nonresponder data suggested less use among all deaf
persons. Computer use was associated with English use and inversely
associated with hearing loss due to meningitis.
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