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Looking at the WorkplaceThis rather bleak picture is also reflected in the report of the RNID, "Communication Works", which was designed to illustrate some of the problems. As well as setting out the same issues as above they used some case studies: "FF began work and it was soon apparent that her skills - particularly in literacy and language - were much less developed than had been realised. The expectations that she would pass through the training course rapidly and would soon be a productive member of the team were found to be unrealistic. This had several consequences. Firstly, it put FF under a lot of strain. She felt she was not succeeding in her job. Secondly, the co-worker assigned to FF was having to try to do her ordinary work as well as helping FF to do hers - this produced great stress. Thirdly, the planning department found itself effectively short-staffed and began to experience delays in processing applications. Again, there was increased stress throughout. Finally the relationship between hearing staff, the sign language interpreter and the deaf worker began to deteriorate." RNID(1988, p 21) Although these negative experiences at the interface with the hearing community are not untypical and though they are significant ones for Deaf people in the conduct of their lives, it should be pointed out that the major problems are in the transition phases between jobs or from school to work. It is at that point that the expectations may be greatest on the part of both hearing and deaf workers and it is at that point that the greatest difficulties arise. |
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