Employing A Deaf Programmer

ABSTRACT

There are many personal characteristics and environmental factors that contribute generally to the effectiveness of programmers or system analysts that are relevant whether they have physical disabilities or not. This paper, however, focuses on some of the special considerations that may apply to deaf individuals in the computing field and to those who seek such employment. Although deafness is less of a handicap in computing than in most other professional fields, there are still relatively few deaf people in computing disciplines. In the past, deaf students have had limited opportunities to prepare themselves for these careers. This is rapidly changing and the ball is now in the employer's court. A little understanding of deafness and some of its ramifications is about all that is needed to successfully employ a qualified deaf person. This paper provides that understanding with particular orientation to the computing profession.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities

Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Employment

General Terms:
Human Factors

Keywords:
Accommodation, Affirmative action, Career, Computing, Deaf, Employment, Handicap, Programmer