Hauser
First Name
Peter
Last Name
Hauser
Department
American Sign Language and Interpreting Education
Scholarship Year
2025
Research Center
Research Center on Culture and Language (CCL)
Scholarship Type
Uninvited Presentations
Contributors List
Gigi Zheng, Jessica Contreras, Julie Mitchiner, Michael McKee, Peter Hauser
Project Title
Parents Empowering Parents: Preliminary Findings on Barriers and Resources
Start Date - Month
September
Start Date - Year
2022
End Date Anticipated - Month
August
End Date Anticipated - Year
2026
End Date Actual - Month
August
End Date Actual - Year
2026
Review Types
Not Applicable
Student Assistance
Undergraduate
Projected Cost
$0.00
Funding Source
Operating Budget
Resulting Product
Conference presentation
Citation

Zheng, Gigi, et al. "Parents Empowering Parents: Preliminary Findings on Barriers and Resources." NTID Student Research Fair. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY. 25 Apr. 2025. Conference Presentation.

Abstract

This study investigates the unique challenges faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing parents who use American Sign Language (ASL), a marginalized group that often encounters significant obstacles in accessing essential resources for education, healthcare, and legal support. Research indicates that these parents frequently experience discrimination and oppression, which not only contributes to a lack of social support but also heightens issues such as interpersonal violence, marital discord, and legal disputes. The inaccessibility of legal and service systems further exacerbates these challenges, leaving many parents to struggle without adequate assistance. Additionally, gaps in literacy and health literacy can adversely affect their children's health, development, and educational progress. Service providers in health, education, and legal sectors are often illequipped to offer the necessary support, which increases the risk of negative parenting outcomes. To address these issues, we involved 20 deaf and hard-of-hearing parents in our study, recruiting participants through flyers and utilizing a pre-screening form to assess eligibility prior to conducting interviews. Our preliminary findings reveal various barriers faced by deaf parents during pregnancy and while raising their children, with experiences varying based on education level, available support, and community resources. We are committed to identifying and developing effective resources tailored to assist these parents in navigating their challenges. Ultimately, our goal is to enhance the tools and support systems available to help this population successfully raise their children and create targeted solutions that address their specific needs while combating discrimination and promoting equity.

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