Experiences of Hearing Children of Deaf Parents in Ireland

Abstract

Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs) are uniquely positioned at the intersection between Deaf and hearing communities and often act as interpreters for their parents and hearing individuals. Informed by previous research which has highlighted language brokering as a core element of CODAs' experiences, along with the research which identifies the risk for parentification among CODAs, the aim of this study is to explore CODAs' experiences of their roles within deaf-parented households and beyond the household, at the intersection between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 CODAs (Mean age 36.33 years, Range 22-54 years) in Ireland. Three themes were generated from the analysis of the interviews: "It was really normal", Facing the Stigma associated with Deafness, and Being a Language Broker. The findings suggest that healthcare and education providers need a better understanding of the unique situations faced by CODAs in their roles as mediators between their parents and the hearing community, so that children and Deaf parents can be appropriately supported in their interactions with professionals.

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