Current issues in deafness: A psychological perspective.

Abstract

This paper reviews current issues in deafness from a psychological perspective. The demands of the Canadian deaf community as reflected in popular media accounts are considered in light of the history of deafness and contemporary research trends. Emphasis is on the strong desire of members of the deaf community to participate in decisions which affect their future. Issues such as the use of American Sign Language (ASL), literacy, cochlear implants, the role of the media, mental health and the status of post-secondary education programs are discussed. For each issue the role of research in psychology is outlined. Finally, the need for increased effort in research and training and greater cooperation between all levels of government are stressed.

Research Methods with Disabled Populations

“…Confidentiality is a real problem for individuals who are deaf, in terms of both the risk to the individual and the individual's reluctance to communicate during interviews conducted with interpreters where sensitive issues are explored (MacDougall, 1991). Although certified interpreters have a strict code of ethics that mandates confidentiality, impartiality, discretion, and maintenance of professional boundaries, individuals who are deaf often express concern about discussing subjects such as medical symptoms in the presence of such an interpreter (MacDougall, 1991;Steinberg, Sullivan, & Leow, 1998;Vernon & Miller, 2001).…”

“…Although certified interpreters have a strict code of ethics that mandates confidentiality, impartiality, discretion, and maintenance of professional boundaries, individuals who are deaf often express concern about discussing subjects such as medical symptoms in the presence of such an interpreter (MacDougall, 1991;Steinberg, Sullivan, & Leow, 1998;Vernon & Miller, 2001). This problem is magnified when certified interpreters are not available and when less well-trained signers (who may not fully understand the implications of the strict code of ethics) or a friend or family members are asked or offer to help.…”

Access to justice for deaf Inuit in Nunavut: The role of "Inuit sign language."

“…In three previous articles that have appeared in Canadian Psychology (MacDougall, 1971, 1979, 1991), I reviewed current developments in the field of deafness from a psychological perspective. I noted that while sign language (American Sign Language, ASL ) has finally been recognized as a “legitimate” language (Petitto, 2000), the always controversial cochlear implant continues to raise new hope for a “cure” for deafness (Moores, 2001).…”

“…Not a happy situation overall. The other important element to be considered is that deaf children who went south to residential schools would have often been in “oral” programs that emphasize speech and hearing (Ling, 1984; MacDougall, 1991; Rodda & Grove, 1987) and that actively discourage the use of sign language. In some schools, signing would have taken place informally, and only in a few cases would ASL (or some form of Signed English) have actually been taught to the deaf children.…”

“…Dans trois articles parus dans Psychologie canadienne (MacDougall, 1971, 1979, 1991), j'ai examiné les faits nouveaux dans le domaine de la surdité d'un point de vue psychologique. La situation des personnes sourdes au Canada (y compris l'expérience des personnes sourdes de langue française vivant au Québec) a suivi d'assez près, de manière générale, l'exemple américain.…”