PERCEIVED SOLUTIONS BY DEAF ADULTS TO IMPROVE THEIR LEISURE ENGAGEMENT IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Makhaya J. Malema ； Barry S. Andrews

《International Leisure Review》 9卷1期 (2020/06) Pp. 4-19

https://doi.org/10.6298/ILR.202006_9(1).0001

摘要

Deaf communities embrace their unique culture and heritage, and enjoy the deaf related activities in which they engage. Furthermore, these activities surround them with their culture and use sign language as their mode of communication. It is not enough to provide sign language interpreters and oral interpreters. This study aimed to explore and describe possible solutions perceived by deaf adults to improve their leisure engagements and participation in the North West Province, South Africa. A qualitative, descriptive research design using semi-structured interview questions to gather data through face-to-face interviews from thirteen deaf adults was used. The study reported six themes after liaising with an independent co-coder who coded and analysed data independently. The themes included effective communication, training, family and community support, variety of activities, government intervention, and motivation. It was noted that more effort is still needed to be spent by various stakeholders, to address minority groups' challenges, particularly people with disabilities. The study concludes that participants' perceptions should be considered to improve their leisure participation, which means consultations with the community is much needed, instead of implementing a one-size-fits-all solution.

關鍵字

deaf adults ； South African Sign Language (SASL) ； deaf community ； leisure ； leisure engagement