(on)beperkt aan het werk

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to gain deeper understanding of what hearing-impaired people need for labor market participation. Interviews were conducted with eight deaf and hard of hearing subjects and in addition I used one hundred and twenty-three work experiences from seventy-six women and forty-seven men, ranging in the ages from 20 to 65 years old. The interviews focused on the subjects own descriptions of auditory work situations and what they thought, did and felt in these situations and more important what would improve their work situations. The analyzes on the interviews and the work experiences were done based on three dimensions; individual factors, social factors and work-related factors. It can be concluded that childhood contact with the hearing world improves self-reliance and adaptability. A career coach can improve the contact between an employee and employer and can provide information for the necessary adjustments. The supervisor can play an important role in contact within the organization and implementation of the changes that are necessary for the proper functioning of a deaf or hearing impaired. But above all is that the deaf or hard of hearing alone can tell what he or she needs. A pleasant working environment and understanding from colleagues plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of a hearing-impaired in the workplace.