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Globally, there is limited research on how deaf and hard of hearing adults experience higher education and work. The purpose of the present study is to examine hard of hearing (HH) adults’ experiences of social interactions and social relationships in higher education, the workplace and leisure time. Data were obtained from semistructured interviews with 16 individuals (aged 24–31 years) from diverse cultural backgrounds (10 males and 6 females) with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Participants were selected based on previous expressed interest in participating in further studies after having been involved in an earlier study. The interviews were subjected to a qualitative thematic data analysis. According to the results, people with a hearing loss experience communication barrier in higher education, at work and in leisure time. These communication barriers lead to difficulties achieving social inclusion, and in some circumstances to social exclusion. Assistive technology (AT) and information and communication technologies (ICT) were important facilitators of moving from social exclusion towards social inclusion.

Background The value of support, service, and care in intellectual disability (ID) practice is linked to the competence of the professional caregivers. The quality of work is affected by the level of education of healthcare employees involved. Specific Aims This study aimed to collect data on how employees perceive their education and training in ID practice and how educational programs prepare them for their working environment. Methods We used a quantitative approach to investigate how employees reflect on their knowledge about ID and other disabilities and the sources of such knowledge. A total of 262 employees engaged in ID practice completed an online survey. Findings The results indicated that education significantly influenced the participants' knowledge level, and highly specific education (i.e., workplace training) can substitute for work experience in ID practice. The authors conclude that all workplaces should examine their employees' skills regularly from the viewpoint of fulfilling the needs of people with ID. Discussion Based on the results, it can be concluded that employees in ID practice need specific knowledge through workplace training (i.e., through hands‐on practice at the workplace). Competence development in the form of workplace training is needed to upskill the staff and possibly increases employees' participation at work.

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