Cultural Competence of Social Workers with Deaf People

Abstract

This research work focuses on understanding the opinion of social workers about physical and cultural competencies of deaf clients. The physical and cultural competency of deaf people were evaluated from the view point of social workers. Furthermore views of social workers about necessary counselling and corrective treatments for deaf clients were also studied. The deaf individuals need assistance from the society for which we need to understand their various challenges (Thumann & Simms, 2009). For this purpose, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to analyze the cultural competence of social workers who deal with deaf people in their daily routines. To analyses our variables 60 social workers from Lahore were recruited through convenience sampling technique to participate in a quantitative survey that was based on Attitudes to Deafness Scale made by Cooper, Rose, & Mason in 2004. Outcomes of the survey indicated that social workers belonging to Lahore mostly had positive views about the deaf community. However, improved exposure to deaf community and better familiarity with how to work with interpreters may encourage more positive attitude in practitioners. Hearing impaired clients should note be seen as disabled individuals rather with necessary support they can excel in various social platforms. It is very crucial for deaf people to receive help in their home and work environment. Their families should be provided necessary counselling and training for helping their hearing impaired family members. Initiatives are required both at community and government level to elevate life’s of hearing impaired clients.