Social Exclusion, Media Access, and the Human Rights of the Deaf Community in Ghana

Abstract: This article investigates the experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals in Ghana, seeking to understand how DHH persons have access to media information and communication. It pays heed to how this access or lack of it defines social exclusion dynamics for this minority group. The article contends that DHH persons are socially excluded by reason of being denied access to public information through the media. The study collected responses from DHH participants using an online questionnaire and video telephone. Data collected from respondents was analyzed using a mixed method, and conclusions were drawn. The study revealed that DHH persons in Ghana depend on television (TV) as their major source of media information. They are, however, unable to participate in any media communication largely because the services of sign language and sign language interpreters are not widely deployed by TV stations.