NORTEY, D: Barriers to Social Participation

The Ghanaian society is one in which people have not been socialised to accept differences in terms of disabilities. Therefore, persons with disabilities, particularly the deaf are highly discriminated against. While communication remains the greatest barriers for the deaf, there are other barriers to participation as well. This work explored issues of participation within the family, among peers, work colleagues and in other societal settings. It also explored participation issues within education, employment, health care and government sponsorship and delved into policies that impact on the issue of participation for the deaf. The personal experiences of the deaf and hard of hearing were explored with the aim of identifying factors in the society which militate against their meaningful participation in society. Life experiences recounted highlight areas besides communication in which they face barriers. This book sheds light on the situation of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Ghana and should be useful to Policy Makers, Parents and individuals working with Deaf, NGOs and anyone interested in the affairs of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.