Implications of schooling on social participation of young persons who are deaf in Nyeri county, Kenya

Abstract

While social participation is a fundamental human right, persons who are deaf face barriers in achieving meaningful social integration. This study sought to deterrnine the contribution of schooling as an enabler to social participation for young persons with deafness. Within a qualitative design, life narratives of six (6) young person were documented by using semi-structured interviews, an observation guide, visual images and a focus group discussion. The six (6) accounts were complemented with interviews of significant others. The study establishes that largely, schooling is significant enabler to social participation, with the greatest contribution of schooling being communication and social skills. Subsequently, levels of participation vary with quantity of schooling. This paper concludes that even when other determinants of social participation may be influential, schooling is certainly essential to facilitate social integration of young persons who are deaf. However, even with the same level of schooling, social organization and family background emerge as key factors 0f influence to social participation.