Cultural Competence and the Deaf Patient

Abstract

Health-care disparities exist for many underrepresented groups of people, including those with disabilities or who require accommodations. Within this minority group, the Deaf American Sign Language (ASL) user is also a linguistic and cultural minority. Like many other underrepresented ethnic/racial groups with limited English proficiency, this group of people experiences some of the same barriers to equitable health care including poor access to primary care, increased comorbidities, and poor overall health outcomes in comparison to the general population. Despite several national advocacy organizations and laws, these disparities still exist and negatively impact the lives of Deaf ASL users. Promoting increased cultural awareness may positively influence health- care provider practice and lead to the reduction of these disparities.