사회복지관의 농(聾)노인 대상 프로그램 분석연구: 농문화 전승자로서의 역할을 중심으로

Abstract

This study started from the perspective of understanding the deaf at the level of a linguistic minority. Accordingly, programs for the deaf elderly at the hearing-impaired social welfare center were analyzed, focusing on the role of the deaf elderly as a “transmitters of deaf culture.” The programs targeting elderly deaf individuals in three hearing-impaired social welfare agencies in Seoul were surveyed and analyzed based on promotional materials posted on their web sites and program brochures obtained through the cooperation of social workers. Additionally, data from interviews conducted through face-to-face meetings, telephone conversations, and written correspondence with social workers operating each program were analyzed. This analysis was conducted based on the elements of Deaf culture proposed by Reagan (1985) and Holcome (2012). In conclusion, three dimensions of results were derived through this study. First, the current programs targeting elderly Deaf individuals aim to enhance information accessibility through education, provide various cultural activities, promote social interaction with elderly Deaf individuals, offer psychological support, and provide healthcare support. Second, while there are some programs that passively reflect Deaf culture, intentional programs that explicitly incorporate Deaf culture are limited. Third, it was found that although these programs have moved beyond a traditional medical model in recognizing Deaf individuals, there are limitations in perceiving Deaf individuals from a linguistic and cultural perspective beyond the social model. Therefore, this study suggests the introduction of education related to Deaf individuals in social welfare departments, expansion of specialized deaf social welfare agencies, and the development of programs that reflect the strengths of elderly Deaf individuals as “transmitters of Deaf culture.”