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Inequities & Disadvantages in the sign language–using deaf population …
Inequities & Disadvantages in the sign language–using deaf population
Sign language is not global
Depending on the country, the type of sign language used is often distinct to the area or country. There is currently no global sign language used by people of multiple countries, for example the sign language used in the United States (ASL) versus British sign language (BSL) are distant from one another as sign languages, but also have very little in common with verbal English. This is a downside due to verbal English being used and nondistinctive between countries aside from slang or jargon.
American Sign Language (ASL), British sign language (BSL), Australian sign language (Ausian), Japanese sign language (JSL), etc.
300+ types of sign language variations
Lack of deaf persons health data
Most health questionnaires are given to deaf individuals in written English, often times the individuals second language. They may be inadequate in the differences and lack of English literacy.
Current data shows that individuals that have been deaf either since childhood or birth have deficient general health in comparison to the general US population.
Lack of engagement for health improvement and chronic disease prevention
Lack of proper translation from ASL to written English for health plans and incorporated into early health prevention prior to adulthood.
Individuals that have been deaf since childhood or birth have not overheard their parents talking about their family health history, and in turn leaving out potential health information to relay to their healthcare providers.
Health related terminology/vocabulary is limited in translation, which is another obstacle to healthcare, and can make them see physicians less, but then with all of these factors combined, and be a downfall to their health and disease prevention.
Health Differences
Biological health differences are higher that have no relation to their deafness or any other previous disease.
There is a hereditary link that can explain deafness following the 1960's rubella pandemic
Models using mice were used to examine association of deafness for increased risk for hypertension (high blood pressure) and asthma.
Ways to lessen the disadvantages and inquities
For research data going forward, include specifics of the subset of deaf individuals such as age of onset, behavioral differences in those diagnosed with deafness at different ages, etc.
Advocate for deaf sign language users and translators to engage in public health, despite its difficulty and obstacles.
Include deaf people in surveillance and health research
Encourage for deaf sign language users to pursue public health related fields and careers
Using those in public health to realize the barriers and work with sign language users and translators for better information access
Advocate for additional funding for communication access, ASL classes being offered in education such as Spanish prior to college.