Accommodating deaf employees in the workplace: Communication assistance via note-taking by hearing co-workers

Deaf and hard-of-hearing employees often find it difficult to learn about important information, which is disseminated informally within their employing organizations. The purpose of this study was to examine information which is impromptu or short in duration, and that is transcribed by note-takers. It examined the quality of the note-taking as measured by a modified Strong and Rudser (S & R) scoring method and as compared to a thematic scoring method, as well as how biographical variables impact the quality of such information transcribed. The participants included 65 individuals with varying levels of contact with deaf co-workers. Results indicated that note-takers attend to verbal messages more than to textual or visual messages. There is no evidence of a negative linear relationship as the video moves from beginning to end. Note-takers tend to prioritize messages and transcribe those with a higher perceived level of meaning given the temporal limitations present. Participants transcribed accurately or modified an average of 33 semantic units out of a possible 237 (14%). Participant transcriptions using a conceptually broader scoring method based on themes averaged 17 themes out of a possible 25 (69%). Age, does not impact the level of transcription. Gender has a slight impact with women scoring better than men. Note-taker education level and level of contact with deaf co-workers, specifically the ability to sign, are predictive of participant scores. Study results provide organizational managers with additional information when making decisions regarding accommodations for their deaf or hard-of-hearing employees.