Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Action Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
Department
Organizational Leadership
First Advisor
Kathleen Matuska
Department/School
Organizational Leadership
Abstract
Hearing loss is a prevalent health concern worldwide, especially among older adults. The purpose of this research was to improve the inclusion of hard-of-hearing individuals in group events in senior housing settings. Accessibility legislation, transactional models for rehabilitation interventions, and the philosophy of universal design all inform the context of this study. Qualitative interviews of hard-of-hearing seniors gathered rich data about their lived experiences, applying appreciative inquiry to focus on what works best at group functions.
Three main themes – the prominence of hearing aids, the impact of hearing loss on participation, and the downplaying of needs – informed the recommendations for staff- resident collaboration in advancing the relevant knowledge and skills of the high-rise community and shifting cultural norms to embrace inclusion. Ongoing feedback loops about communication effectiveness are crucial for the fullest possible participation by hard-of-hearing residents.
Recommended Citation
Moran, Kathleen S.. (2012). Inclusion of Hard-of-Hearing Persons in Group Events: Senior Housing Best Practices. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/maolhonors/5