Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2026
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Allied Health Studies
First Advisor
Ronda Bryan
Second Advisor
Carla Carr
Third Advisor
Kristi Reece
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals experience significant health disparities in the United States, yet the perspective of the ASL interpreter has remained largely absent regarding the barriers documented in existing literature. This pilot case study examined the barriers Deaf individuals face when seeking healthcare through the unique vantage point of eight ASL interpreters across the Deep South: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Guided by grounded theory methodology, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed to find recurring themes. Findings confirmed and revealed barriers that would not have surfaced without the perspective of the interpreter. Four themes emerged from this study: healthcare provider knowledge gaps and ADA non-compliance, language deprivation and health literacy, limited access to qualified interpreters due to geographic location, and constraints within the interpreter’s role. Implications for healthcare providers, state legislature, and Deaf advocacy groups were suggested with recommendations for future research.
Recommended Citation
Augustine, Ryan, "What You Don't Hear About Barriers to Healthcare in the Deaf Community: Analyzing Interpreter Experiences in the Deep South" (2026). Honors Theses. 3521.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3521
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