In Their Own Words: Exploring the Phenomenological Field of a Sample of Employed Persons Who Are Deaf in Barbados

Abstract

An estimated 14,000 persons who are deaf (PWAD) reside in Barbados, many of whom are believed to live below the poverty line. Data on the employment status of PWAD in Barbados is sparse; this research seeks to fill a gap in the literature and inform social policy. Qualitative methodologies were utilized to understand how participation in the labour market influences the lives of PWAD in Barbados. The current research seeks to inquire into the phenomenological field of five persons who are deaf through a multiple case study strategy using focus group interviews. Data were analysed to derive themes common across participants and ecological systems theory was used to understand how PWAD cope in the world of work. The following research questions are addressed in an attempt to capture the unique perspectives of PWAD: (1) What are the experiences of persons who are deaf and employed? and (2) How does having a disability impact the lives of PWAD? The data revealed a relationship between environmental stressors such as attitudinal barriers and discrimination in the workplace and their psychological and behavioural impact in the form of resignation, frustration, isolation and creative coping among PWAD.