Emergency situations and deaf people in Israel: Communication obstacles and recommendations

Abstract

The absence of the ability to hear sounds in deaf people is an obstacle to optimal communication in a predominantly hearing world. Emergency situations harbor sufficient challenge for the hearing person and pose even greater barriers for the deaf and hard of hearing. During disasters and emergency situations, deaf people have great difficulty in obtaining and sharing information, increasing their dependence on others. This article focuses on the experience of deaf people during a period of security threat, when missiles from the Gaza strip were aimed at the civilian population in Southern Israel, in 2009. The aim of this article is to illustrate the complexities that deaf citizens experienced, and describe their coping mechanisms. A qualitative study including 15 heterogeneous-background Deaf participants interviewed by a researcher that belongs to the deaf community using a multiple-method facilitated questionnaire. Data was analyzed using grounded theory methodology principles. Main categories that arose from data analysis were communication problems during emergencies, the pager as a questionable warning device about emergencies (due to timing and content/context issues of its use), and the implications of the location of deaf people at time of emergency. Various channels for conveying information should be examined and created in order to maximize the heterogeneous deaf community's ability to receive vital information during an emergency. Professional sign language interpreters are necessary during emergencies, helping to reduce both dependence on informal sources (such as family members, including minors, friends, neighbors, by-standers) and risk. The development of new technologies may bear potential help for deaf persons during emergencies. Being a socio-linguistic minority, it is recommended to ensure these technologies will be accessible to the whole deaf community.

A Facebook Page Created Soon After the Amatrice Earthquake for Deaf Adults and Children, Families, and Caregivers Provides an Easy Communication Tool and Social Satisfaction in Maxi-Emergencies

“…Even if Italian deaf people are a socio-linguistic minority, the entire deaf community should have access to advanced technologies, guaranteeing equity; also, to deaf foreigners or other excluded, potentially advisable, disadvantaged populations, including children and young persons with hearing impairment, even those staying in Amatrice as tourists. [16][17][18] Thanks to the advanced technologies used in the latest generation mobile devices, high-quality video will be made available at a low cost.…”

“…The page followed the basic rules, according to the "Deaf Emergency Communicator Theory" (DECT), designed for preparing an emergency video for deaf people. 16 Based on these rules, a short video (up to 150 seconds) on the page explained what safety measures to take during an earthquake. The video used fixed, non-sliding subtitles to offer clear, straightforward, and direct language.…”

“…According to the DECT, accuracy was assured by immediately copying written and broadcasted news provided by official radio-television sources, so as to ensure adapted sign language. 15,16 The Facebook page also contained an online checklist designed to record data and to measure the results, including hearing conditions or hearing disadvantages, number of children with hearing impairment reached, and satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the information provided. Automatically, the Facebook software page numbered all the contacts (liked, viewed, and shared).…”

Learning lessons in emergency management: the 4th International Conference on Healthcare System Preparedness and Response to Emergencies and Disasters

“…Social media is especially useful as it is based on a bi-directional flow of questions and answers, which facilitates focusing on areas that interest the public [ 17 ]. Needs of vulnerable populations, such as deaf or blind individuals, should be integrated in the response mechanisms as an integral part of the risk communication policies [ 18 ].…”

Profound Hearing Loss: Addressing Barriers to Hearing Healthcare

“…22 Trauma and emergency situations are particularly problematic for Deaf individuals. 23,24 A study in Israel found that relying on informal interpreters, such as family members, friends, and neighbors, can be problematic for Deaf people in those situations and accessibility to certified interpreters is preferable. 24 Various types of communication technologies have been developed for emergencies, but many lack effectiveness and are not trusted by Deaf people.…”