Hearing Managers of Deaf Workers: A Phenomenological Investigation in the Restaurant Industry

Abstract

The study examined the experiences of hearing managers of Deaf restaurant employees regarding accommodation and social integration. Deaf workers who use American Sign Language have different social and accommodation needs than hearing coworkers, but most hearing managers are unfamiliar with these needs. Using stigma theory to frame issues of workplace accommodation and social integration, the researchers collected data through site observation and in-depth semistructured interviews with 6 hearing managers of high-volume restaurants and 6 Deaf employees. It was found that while demonstrably unknowledgeable about Deaf workers' accommodation needs and work abilities, managers held Deaf workers in high esteem and positive social regard. Deaf workers largely felt respected by hearing managers and regarded them positively, but consistently expressed a desire for better, more frequent accommodations for on-the-job communication. The findings have implications for hearing managers, Deaf workers, and intermediary employment advocates.