Title
Cultural themes across generations: exploring changes in lived experiences of six deaf individuals.
Abstract
Historically, hearing people have held positions of power and influence in many areas of
society affecting Deaf people, yet they often know little about the life experiences of
Deaf people, or how Deaf people feel about decisions made on their behalf.
Understanding the lived experiences of Deaf or hard of hearing people is important for
developing effective educational models for teaching Deaf children and creating a more
inclusive society. This qualitative study collected and examined life story narratives
from six Deaf people, ages 18-77. The life story narratives provided examples of Deaf
community values that have remained consistent, even as the day-to-day lives of Deaf
people have changed dramatically over the last 60 years. Significant themes emerged,
including education for Deaf children, American Sign Language, cultural awareness and
acceptance, and the importance of listening to Deaf people. Recommendations for
educational administrators, based on the research findings, are listed.
Description
University of Minnesota Ed.D. dissertation. December 2010. Major: Educational Policy and Administration. Advisor: Frank Guldbrandsen, Ph.D., 1 computer file (PDF); iv, 179 pages, appendices A-H.
Suggested Citation
Diener, Nancy McFarlin.
(2010).
Cultural themes across generations: exploring changes in lived experiences of six deaf individuals..
Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy,
https://hdl.handle.net/11299/99609.