Identifying the Factors That Influence DHH Employee Success under Hearing Supervisors

Abstract

DHH (d/Deaf and hard of hearing) employees report unique challenges in their workplaces, especially under hearing supervisors. Although a technical intervention might help address these challenges, any intervention first requires a clearer understanding of DHH employees' reality. To learn more, we conducted an autoethnographic study and an online survey of 19 DHH employees and three hearing supervisors. Through thematic analysis, we identified DHH Status, Timing and Implications of Disclosure, Accommodations, Disability Confidence, and Audism and Hearing Privileges as central factors that influence DHH employee success under hearing supervisors. By identifying these factors, this work provides the contextual knowledge necessary for proposing appropriate future technical and design interventions.