Listening to Silence: An Insight into the Lives of the Deaf in Baguio City

• Main Authors: Albayalde, Maria Jose Carina T., Angeles, Aleck Donnell L., Reyes, Gian Angelo U., Santillan, Maria Teresa Antonella T., So, Toni Cameron Y.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: deaf; Baguio City, abilities; perception; treatment
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2021/paper_ghi/4; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1648/viewcontent/GHDI__Listening_to_Silence_An_Insight_into_the_Lives.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Oftentimes, people describe the Deaf as unfortunate and pitiful. However, this is clearly not how they view themselves. This study’s objective is to bring awareness to the lives and struggles of the Deaf community as well as see how others, namely parents and students, perceive them in the present. To achieve this, 3 research questions were formulated: “What are the special skills and abilities of the Deaf?”, “How do Deaf individuals want to be treated by the general population?”, and “How do people feel about their interactions with the Deaf?” By using an inductive thematic analysis, this phenomenological qualitative study concluded that the Deaf excel in the area of arts (culinary, visual, and performing) and sports. This could be linked to a gain connected to Cross-Modal Neuroplasticity. The Deaf also explained that they do not want to be “fixed.” They simply want to be accepted and treated fairly. Still, they would appreciate it if others physically assist them in activities that are difficult for them due to their impairment. As for the perception of others, it was shown that parents of the Deaf had larger numbers of pessimistic initial reactions than hearing students. Stress levels are higher for parents as they have to consider the communication, financial support, and the upbringing of their Deaf children. It is worthwhile to note that other respondents viewed the Deaf as abled, skilled, and talented in certain fields. They were familiar and comfortable around the Deaf as they accepted them for who they are.