THE SITUATION AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR PEOPLE WITH HEARING DISABILITIES

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) examine the current situation of employment and vocational training for people with hearing disabilities, and 2) explore attitudes towards employment among individuals with hearing disabilities. This quantitative study involves a sample of 100 individuals with hearing disabilities, selected through referral and expert sampling due to the difficulty of accessing this population. Communication required the use of sign language interpreters, and a questionnaire was used as the primary research instrument. The questionnaire was pre-tested with a group of 20 individuals with hearing impairments before full deployment. Data were analyzed using percentages, mean values, and standard deviation. The findings revealed the following regarding the employment and vocational training status of people with hearing disabilities: 1) Seventy percent of participants were unemployed but expressed a desire to work, with communication barriers identified as a major obstacle by 90% of respondents. While 61% had attended vocational training, 39% had not, with inappropriate instructional materials cited as the most significant barrier by 85% of participants. 2) Participants displayed highly positive attitudes towards vocational training and employment, emphasizing that employment enables them to support themselves and their families, fosters self-esteem, reduces inequality, and leads to improved quality of life. Therefore, strategies to promote employment for people with hearing disabilities should prioritize understanding factors specific to hearing disabilities, such as the nature of the disability, communication needs, and appropriate learning materials. Such understanding will contribute to the development of effective pathways and opportunities accessible to people with hearing disabilities.