Elkins, Courtney Elizabeth (2025) The Deaf Working Age Population in the United Kingdom: Investigating the Barriers for Those Within Employment. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
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Abstract
Aim of this research-The aim of this research is to explore and identify the barriers experienced by deaf adults in the workplace. Background and research purpose-Deafness remains one of the most common disabilities within the UK, however deaf adults continue to experience barriers and inequalities in the workplace. Deaf individuals are more vulnerable in the workplace, because of significant challenges related to their hearing which can pose stress risk factors and barriers. The unemployment rate of deaf adults compared to hearing adults also remains higher within the UK although there are claims of effective support services for deaf workers to begin and remain in work. There was an absence of systematic reviews found in relation to this research topic, therefore it is essential that this is performed to rigorously and effectively fulfil this gap in literature and investigate such barriers and forward influential recommendations for future research, policy and practice, to further address such barriers identified, and enforce an inclusive working environment. Methodology-A systematic review was conducted. Databases such as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Library, SAGE journals, Google engine, and Taylor and Francis were utilised to perform this systematic review. An exclusion and inclusion criteria were implemented within this systematic review to obtain the most relevant data, whilst also effectively setting research boundaries. A thorough search was completed across all databases, using search strategy tools, which included the Boolean Operators to retrieve the most relevant qualitative and mixed-method data. The data found was thoroughly analysed on the relevancy, quality, and reliability through both the PRISMA diagram and critical appraisal. The included data was extracted and sorted into themes to effectively answer the research question. Findings-17 qualitative and mixed-method studies were identified which met this research inclusion criteria. Through the performance of thematic analyses six themes of barriers for deaf adults in the workplace were identified. The findings consistently outline that deaf adults experience significant ongoing barriers within the workplace. The four main themes included stigma, effective communication, accommodations, and fatigue. Two sub-themes which emerged included deaf awareness and building relationships. Conclusion-The findings forward strong evidence that deaf workers experience ongoing barriers which can be detrimental to their quality of working life, inclusion, and positive relationships in the workplace. Recommendations for future research, practice, and policy were discussed from the conclusion of these findings to improve the support, inclusivity, and awareness for deaf workers.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare |
| Divisions: | Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations |
| Depositing User: | Victoria Hankinson |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Jul 2025 13:52 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Jul 2025 13:52 |
| URI: | https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3786 |
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