| Dialogue within the Deaf community points to a culture that has developed from a history
of exclusion regarding everyday access. This culture, which is strongly associated with efforts to
preserve both language and culture, has a history of activism and political engagement aimed at
addressing issues of access through community and the promotion of Deaf equitable spaces.
Using theoretical frameworks involving group consciousness and intergroup social contact, this
research seeks to understand the point of entry into the realm of Deaf politics and what causes
individuals to be more or less likely to engage in its political sphere. Initial findings through a
Mechanical Turk survey have led credence to the notion that culture matters and that the
formation of strong connections and socialization within the Deaf community can serve as an
indicator of increased likelihood to be involved in the discourse surrounding issues of Deaf/HOH
accessibility. However, questions remain regarding the effects of living in Deaf prominent spaces
as well as positive or negative perceptions of Deaf people in media consumption on the overall
decision to be involved in Deaf issues.
Keywords: Deaf history, Deaf Identity, Political Engagement, Political Participation |