The corona virus impacted the world economically and socially in a very negative way. We as a society had to resort to many extreme measures which were decided very quickly and obviously with no consideration for minority groups. The deaf community had suffered through covid as they were majorly affected by the restrictions put in place.
Key figures:
- 74% percent of the deaf people who responded said they have found it more difficult to access healthcare
- 36% have had trouble accessing medication
- 89% of respondents were worried about being able to communicate with staff if they are hospitalised with coronavirus
- 62% highlight not being able to communicate with people wearing masks in public as a major challenge, because they would be unable to lipread or use facial cues
- 80% indicated social isolation as a major issue since lockdowns began
Face masks
Face masks and coverings have the effect of blocking lip movement and maffling speech. This made it extremely difficult for deaf people to communicate as they can no longer lip-read, listen to clear speech and it is harder for them to talk as their own sound is muffled.
Interpreters
Social distancing meant profoundly deaf people may not have had any access to an interpreter. This means any doctors appointments, school or other allowed activities, made deaf people isolated in these situations.
Virtual communication
Office meetings and lessons took the form of zoom calls and teams meetings. This meant if cameras were not turned on deaf people had no way of accessing what was being discussed in these calls. Furthermore, a small screen size person makes communicating with BSL is increasingly difficult.
://www.ndcs.org.uk/blog/face-masks-and-communication-coronavirus-info-for-families-of-deaf-children/
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