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Deaf people in Healthcare in South Africa

Can Deaf people access good healthcare without sign language? The authors analyze a case study and respond "no". Discusses international law.
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Can Deaf people access good healthcare without using a language they understand? In response, the authors analyze a case study about a Deaf woman in South Africa seeking healthcare. They therefore argue that, no, Deaf people cannot access healthcare without using their language. Furthermore, they explain how international human rights law is limited in how much it helps. They also explain that Deaf patients using healthcare must have access to sign language interpreters. In particular, the authors focus on the obligations of the South African government.

The authors are Hanne Jensen Haricharan, Marion Heap, Fons Coomans, and Leslie London. Meanwhile, they published the article in the December 2011 issue of Disability and Society. Also, the full article is available for free in Word format. The Word document is accessible for people using screen reading software, but it will be difficult to navigate. For example, it does not use headers.

Additionally, explore other resources related to deaf people and health.

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