The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on deaf adults, children and their families in Ghana

The study investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic affected deaf adults, deaf children and their families in Ghana, with particular attention to social inclusion. It examined the difficulties experienced by deaf children and their families, as well as the perspectives of deaf adults working in advocacy and support organisations.

Using a bioecological perspective, the researchers analysed how communication, language, family relationships, institutional structures and broader social conditions influenced deaf people’s access to and understanding of important COVID-19 information. The findings showed that many deaf people experienced limited access to accessible public-health information, education and support services during the pandemic.

The study concludes that the pandemic exposed and worsened existing social inequalities and patterns of exclusion experienced by deaf people in Ghana. It therefore calls for accessible information in Ghanaian Sign Language, stronger support systems and context-sensitive approaches to achieving genuine inclusion for deaf adults, children and their families.