The employment of individuals with hearing impairment in the KwaZulu-Natal private sector: Current employers’ perceptions and experiences

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Doolabh, Nishita^{; *} | Khan, Nasim

Affiliations: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Nishita Doolabh, Discipline of Audiology, University of Durban – Westville, University Road, Durban, 4000 South Africa. Tel.: +27 83 781 6101; E-mail: nishidoolabh@gmail.com.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Despite policies and legislation mandating employment, individuals with hearing impairment continue to face barriers accessing the labour market, and typically experience higher unemployment rates. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to investigate employers’ perceptions and experiences in recruiting and retaining individuals with hearing impairment in KwaZulu-Natal Provinces’ private sector. METHODS:A descriptive questionnaire survey with quantitative methods of analysis was used to obtain information from relevant stakeholders. A total of 30 responses were obtained from the 19 companies who had agreed to participate. RESULTS:Participants who used external services during recruitment and retention were more likely to report the benefits of employing individuals with hearing impairment, this being statistically significant (p < 0.001). Approximately 43% reported that reasonable accommodations were being provided, while 83.3% suggested that safety concerns and communication difficulties (70%) contributed towards poor employment rates amongst affected individuals. CONCLUSIONS:Lack of familiarity with disability and the associated legislation can manifest in erroneous stereotypes, that individuals with disabilities are poor job performers and incapable of working independently. However, with the use of reasonable accommodations, which includes sign language interpreters and desensitization workshops, employers were able to successfully integrate employees who are hearing impaired into the workforce.

Keywords: Workplace, hearing impairment, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-191064

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 52, no. 1, pp. 109-121, 2020