Deafness in academia and the geosciences: challenges and solutions

Abstract

Deaf and hard-of-hearing people are no less capable of being geoscientists or working geoscience academics than are hearing people. However, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are represented in lower percentages in these fields, contributing to a lack of diversity. People with some form of hearing loss face stigmas and misconceptions, as well as microaggressions and ableism that may impede their recruitment and retention in the geosciences. This paper explores some of the barriers faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing scientists, some lived experiences, ways progress has been made to include people with hearing loss, and what more can be done.