Communicating with the Deaf Perceptions of television HIV/AIDS Messages among the Literate Deaf in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to find out how the literate deaf television audience in Kenya, perceive HIV/AIDS messages, what obstacles hinder the deaf from understanding these messages and what possible measures can be undertaken to reduce the obstacles. Television programs that inform people about HIV/AIDS in Kenya are mostly designed in ways that do not address the deaf population as they are not translated into sign languages. The research adopted a qualitative approach and data was collected using focus group discussions of deaf respondents. In-depth interviews were carried out with officials from NASCOP and NACC, two organizations in Kenya that are involved in creating awareness about HIV/AIDS through both electronic and print media. Among the key findings of the study was that there is an avid deaf television audience, which does not accurately perceive HIV/AIDS television message due to a language barrier. The study also established that a wide knowledge gap exists between the deaf audience and the television (media). It was also evident that negative attitudes held by the society towards the deaf aggravate the knowledge gap. One of the key recommendations proposed in this study is that the deaf should be recognized as significant part of the population by relevant government entities, and other stakeholders who partner in designing television messages that create awareness about HIV/AIDS.