Professional Activity of Deafblind Individuals: Barriers and Opportunities in Poland and Lithuania

• In Event: 50221 - Section on Disability in Society Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 3: Disability, Work, and Education

Abstract

This study explores the professional activity of deafblind individuals in Poland and Lithuania, aiming to understand the factors influencing their employment and identify the barriers they face. Despite the growing recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability, there is limited research on the professional lives of deafblind individuals, particularly in Poland and Lithuania. Drawing on a qualitative methodology, autobiographical narrative interviews were conducted with deafblind participants, as well as with volunteers and guide-interpreters. The sample consisted of ten participants in Poland (eight deafblind individuals and two support workers) and six in Lithuania. Interviews were analyzed using grounded theory methodology to construct theoretical categories based on participants' lived experiences. The study identifies six key themes from the participants’ narratives: 1) The importance of work in their lives, seen as crucial for achieving independence, dignity, and self-worth; 2) Psychological barriers from employers, who are often resistant to hiring deafblind individuals due to misconceptions; 3) Communication barriers during the recruitment process and workplace interactions; 4) Psychological barriers among deafblind individuals themselves, stemming from fear of rejection and stress in entering the "able-bodied" world; 5) The lack of specialized support in the job market for deafblind individuals compared to other disability groups, and 6) The participants' feelings of exclusion due to the combination of both hearing and vision impairments. This research highlights the challenges faced by deafblind individuals in securing employment and the need for better support systems, both from employers and society. The findings emphasize the need for specialized services and awareness to reduce exclusion from the labor market and enhance the professional opportunities of deafblind individuals in Poland and Lithuania.

Authors

• Tomasz Kasprzak, University of Silesia in Katowice

• Salomeja Karaseviciute, Mykolas Romeris University