The Importance of Deaf Clubs and Associations and the Role of Hearing People in Them: An Evaluative Study from the Deaf and the Hearing People’s Perspectives

Abstract

This study examines the importance of deaf clubs and the role of hearing people in these clubs. The study utilized mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative) for gaining deep and broad data that can serve this research and deaf community. The research used a questionnaire for collecting data. Some closed questions were limited to specific choices as the question or the context entails. Other questions were open that gave the participants more room and freedom to respond, as the context for such questions require details and discussion of related issues and related answers. Due to the fact that the questionnaire was close-open, the analysis was carried out qualitatively and quantitatively. 118 participants are involved in this study (46 of them were deaf and hearing impaired, and 72 were hearing). This study aimed at collecting opinions from both deaf and hearing people to show different perspectives of the different participants making a comparison between them. The study concluded with results that serve both parties. It revealed clear policies pertaining to hearing people’s presence, their role and their influence in deaf clubs. This research demonstrated the tolerance that deaf people show towards hearing people, contrary to what is rumored about deaf people that they deny the presence of hearing people in their clubs and places. It also showed positive attitudes that hearing people hold towards deaf people.