The experiences of deaf and hard of hearing students at a Queensland university: 1985-2005

Abstract

This article reports on the experiences of deaf and hard of hearing students at a Queensland university that offers an extensive deaf student support program. Seventy-two current students and graduates of the program since its inception twenty years ago completed a survey about their experiences, highlights, challenges, and use of communication tools and support services at university. Findings indicated that, while many of the students used the services provided by the university's Deaf Students' Support Program, other deaf and hard of hearing students did not use these services. There were some differences in outcomes between the two groups. The study results reflect, both quantitatively and qualitatively, students' levels of satisfaction with the services they received. Overall, the students had a high rate of graduation, comparing favourably with other university students, and the available range of generic and special support programs and facilities were influential for their study experiences and graduation outcomes.