Nothing about us without us: Deaf education and sign language access in China

Abstract

This empirical qualitative study aims (1) to understand the Chinese context in promoting accessible high-quality education for deaf communities and (2) to create an opportunity for deaf experts to contribute to sign language research, instruction, interpreting programmes, and deaf education in China. Using a focus group methodology, we gathered data from 48 participants from four different stakeholder groups (10 teachers, 16 administrators/researchers, 6 interpreters, 16 community members) identifying concerns and solutions to achieving educational access. Video recorded discussions were transcribed, analysed and consolidated into themes. Results show a fragile trust between deaf and hearing professionals, a need for continued investigation on sign language standardisation and preservation, and a desire for worldwide collaboration and inclusion of deaf and hearing scholars in establishing a deaf university in China. This participatory, community-based research method yielded insights toward improving deaf education and sign language training within Chinese special education and toward the design, implementation and establishment of a future university serving only deaf students in China.

The Serbian Sign Language Alphabet: A Unique Authentic Dataset of Letter Sign Gestures

“…The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is a global organization led by the deaf, and their vision is to promote the human right to sign language for all deaf people, i.e., to ensure equal rights for over 70 million deaf people worldwide [33,34]. In Serbia alone, around 150,000 people with hearing impairment are registered [9].…”

The Relationship between Knowing Sign Language and Quality of Life among Italian People Who Are Deaf: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In conclusion, these results could be included in a broad social and cultural perspective that includes the relationship between people who are deaf and hearing individuals, in which the use of sign language interpretation could be fundamental. For instance, in a study by Jones et al [ 43 ], participants reported feeling more included and valued when sign language interpretation was provided at social events, and additionally, hearing people who had previously felt uncomfortable interacting with people who were deaf reported feeling more confident and at ease when they were able to communicate through a sign language interpreter. Furthermore, another important factor in building relationships between the deaf and hearing communities is education.…”

Social perception in deaf individuals: A meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies

“…Among these inputs, whether facial and bodily expressions, gestures, or postures are typically available for deaf individuals in social contexts, sign language is usually restricted to deaf communities. In light of this, promoting learning of sign language in hearing individuals, as well as providing salient visual cues in social situations, would facilitate social inclusion of deaf individuals (Jones et al, 2021)…”

“…Among these inputs, whether facial and bodily expressions, gestures, or postures are typically available for deaf individuals in social contexts, sign language is usually restricted to deaf communities. In light of this, promoting learning of sign language in hearing individuals, as well as providing salient visual cues in social situations, would facilitate social inclusion of deaf individuals (Jones et al, 2021 ). It is therefore particularly important to support the development of inclusive guidelines for everyday social contexts (e.g., Santos & Portes, 2019 ; for a practical guide in scholar settings, see Alasim, 2018 ; for work settings, see Foster & MacLeod, 2003 ).…”