The uphill struggle: services for Deaf and hard of hearing people - issuesof equality, participation and access

This article focuses upon the ways in which Deaf [1] and hard of hearing pe ople are excluded from participation in society. In particular, the focus i s upon the ordinary expectations that members of society have in terms of p articipating as citizens and performing socially sanctioned, adult roles. T he roles of 'citizen', 'employee', 'parent' and 'patient' are discussed. Th e data illustrate how the organisation and delivery of services can undermi ne, rather than facilitate, the performance of these roles. Despite policy emphasis on social inclusion, current services and legislation fail to prov ide a firm basis for the full participation of Deaf and hard of hearing peo ple in British society.