Deaf Community Members in the Dominican Republic: Exploring Needs and Potential Interventions

Background: Deaf individuals in the Dominican Republic (DR) encounter pronounced barriers to social and economic integration. Barriers are due primarily to a lack of American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation mandates in formal settings and limited opportunities for hearing people, including parents of Deaf children, to learn ASL. This qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted in collaboration with a community nonprofit partner and ASL experts in the DR. It was designed to explore lived experiences of Deaf individuals in the DR and their perceptions off the utility of two potential technological interventions for increasing social and economic integration and improving their lives: 1) AI-assisted Sign Language Machine Translation (SLMT) systems to translate sign language to spoken word and, 2) a communication and social media app designed specifically for Deaf individuals.

Method: Individual interviews with Deaf adults (n=5), recruited by DR partners, were conducted in ASL by trilingual (ASL, Spanish, and English) interviewers. Semi-structured interviews, developed with DR partners, inquired about daily stressors, strengths and joy, and the two technological interventions. Interviews were conducted in ASL; responses were interpreted into English and audio recorded. Transcribed recordings were coded using thematic analysis techniques. Each transcript was coded by two research team members applying constant comparative methods applying deductive analysis, using a priori codes based on research questions, and inductive analysis, which allowed new codes to emerge.

Results: Four higher-order themes emerged: 1) Stress Related to Being Deaf; 2) Strengths and Sources of Joy; 3) Inadequacies of Phone-based Communication Apps for Deaf Individuals; and (4) Potentially Life-changing Technology. Subthemes for stress included communication barriers, limited educational access, and poor employment opportunities. For strengths and joy, two subthemes were related to the value of ASL proficient friends and engaging in hobbies. In terms of inadequacies of phone-based communication apps, participants highlighted subthemes of the deficits of existing apps, the value of having an app designed specifically for Deaf individuals (existing apps were deemed “not for Deaf people”), and the potential of using this app for disseminating health and public information. The potentially life-changing technology theme focused on the SLMT systems and subthemes included optimistic enthusiasm, the value of the technology being applicable almost anywhere, and ideas for improving the technology’s usability. Communication barriers and the potential for the technological interventions to significantly improve of social and economic engagement in their lives were referenced by all participants.

Conclusions: Findings illuminate significant challenges and high stress levels, while also illustrating resilience in the ways Deaf individuals find purpose, meaning and joy in life. Findings also highlight the way that recent technological advances (e.g., social media apps and online information), fail to meet the specific needs of Deaf community members in the DR, despite a strong interest in accessing these resources. SLMT systems could be life changing, but designing and developing technologies in close partnership with Deaf adults is an essential step toward ensuring usability and effectiveness. Future research should explore these technologies, macro-level strategies toward social and economic inclusion, and micro-level interventions for stress and isolation.