Focus Groups
Focus Groups
The innovative focus groups with VET teachers, VET students and entrepreneurs
Deaf students had diverse goals, and deaf entrepreneurs highlighted a lack of awareness and support in the workplace. Overall, the debates stressed the significance of inclusion, adaptation, and increased awareness of hearing disabilities in education and employment. Tools like subtitling and sign language glossaries were identified as essential for overcoming communication barriers.
Insights on Sign Language, Technology, and Workplace Support for Individuals with Hearing Disabilities
Emphasys Centre organized focus groups with VET teachers, students, and entrepreneurs. Teachers stressed the need for sign language knowledge in special schools, and support for deaf students. Students wanted more technology integration and sign language proficiency among teachers. Entrepreneurs highlighted communication and support for deaf employees, seeking lifelong learning opportunities and better job prospects.
Overall, the discussions emphasized sign language, technology, workplace support, and career development for individuals with hearing disabilities.
Challenges Faced by Deaf People in Education and Employment
In May and June 2023, the University of Social Sciences and the "Pitagoras" Development Association conducted research on Deaf individuals in Poland. The study aimed to understand their experiences in education and employment, with the participation of teachers, students, and social entrepreneurs. Participants highlighted various challenges they face daily, such as inadequate teacher training, a lack of suitable curriculum, but also emerging opportunities like Erasmus+ projects, mobile applications, and NGO activities. However, the most significant and unanimous issue identified was communication barriers. Deaf individuals encounter difficulties in education, exams, and job searches due to the prevalent use of an artificial sign language system (SJM) instead of the natural Polish Sign Language (PJM) in schools. The limited availability of PJM interpreters, along with the associated costs, also contributes to employers' reluctance to hire Deaf individuals. Another notable issue is the general lack of knowledge about Deaf people, their language, and their culture.
However, the most significant and unanimous issue identified was communication barriers. Deaf individuals encounter difficulties in education, exams, and job searches due to the prevalent use of an artificial sign language system (SJM) instead of the natural Polish Sign Language (PJM) in schools. The limited availability of PJM interpreters, along with the associated costs, also contributes to employers' reluctance to hire Deaf individuals. Another notable issue is the general lack of knowledge about Deaf people, their language, and their culture.
Empowering Deaf Entrepreneurs:
Insights and Challenges from the 3D4DEAF Focus Group and Addressing Barriers and Fostering Inclusion in Italian Education
The 3D4DEAF focus group with 5 Entrepreneurs from the Istituto dei Sordi di Torino discussed the challenges faced by deaf people in their professional lives, including communication and training barriers. Lack of information, limited support from social cooperatives, and inaccessible regulations were identified. The group highlighted the need for avatar tools and training opportunities. Support for deaf individuals in job search and workplace preparation, as well as government assistance for entrepreneurs hiring deaf employees, were also discussed. The importance of preparation, adapted tools, and involving deaf people in company projects was emphasized.
The challenges faced by deaf individuals in finding employment and presents the findings of an interview conducted with teachers at a school for the deaf
The key issues identified include communication barriers, limited awareness among employers, stereotypes and biases, accessibility concerns,
and the need for specialized career support. Proposed solutions include investing in communication support, promoting awareness programs, integrating accessible features in the workplace, and fostering collaboration between employers and deaf educational institutions.
Empowerment of deaf people: the findings from the interview at the Argyroupolis school for the deaf
An interview was conducted with teachers, both deaf and hearing, of the Argyroupolis school for the deaf in order to extract valuable comments and ideas about the difficulties faced by deaf people when looking for a job. Participants highlighted the limited availability of sign language interpreters and the lack of effective communication tools in the workplace. Interview participants also expressed concerns about the lack of awareness and understanding among employers regarding the abilities and capabilities of deaf people, and highlighted the need for specialized career guidance and support services to successfully navigate the job market.