Abstract

SLOME, Charlotte; VAN PINXTEREN, Myrna  and  LONDON, Leslie. Understanding the impacts of the COVID-19 response measures on Deaf adults in Cape Town. Afr. j. disabil. (Online) [online]. 2024, vol.13, pp.1-11. ISSN 2226-7220.  https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v13i0.1371.

BACKGROUND: International literature has evidenced that Deaf people have been disadvantaged during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, there is currently little research published within the South African context OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequent response measures impacted Deaf adults in Cape Town METHOD: Using a descriptive approach, semi-structured, qualitative interviews were held with 15 Deaf adults in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants were purposively selected through a local Deaf organisation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis RESULTS: Data revealed the challenges experienced when accessing information, the impact of communication barriers on daily life, and how the response measures impacted access to healthcare CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate how the needs of the Deaf community were overlooked and their voices disregarded during the planning of the national pandemic response, ultimately having detrimental consequences. Therefore, the authors argue for greater inclusion of Deaf representatives to ensure equal access to information and resources, especially during a crisis CONTRIBUTION: This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in the field of disability and insights can inform both future research and interventions to promote equity and inclusion for Deaf people

Keywords : deaf; COVID-19; information access; South Africa; access to healthcare.

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