Perceptions of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing College Students’ Work Readiness and Preparation

Abstract

Earning a degree in higher education provides additional employment choices for every college student. It is an important factor for sustaining future earnings and job stability. The general problem is deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals face higher unemployment and underemployment rates than hearing peers. The specific problem addressed was how more deaf or hard-of-hearing students enrolled in higher education, however only a few completed a degree program (Garberoglio et al., 2019). Seven deaf and hard-of-hearing college students who attended college in the northeastern region of the United States were purposefully selected from the Disability Support Services, National Deaf Center listserv, Facebook Groups HearStrong Champions, and Community for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Primary thematic categories and sub-themes emerged from the study, including participants academic experiences in the classroom regarding the reasonable accommodations and academic training, and perceptions about the academic training received to transition to employment. Enhancing inclusive practices and behaviors may increase educational attainment and employment for deaf and hard-of-hearing college students.