Citation

Steinhardt D, Wishart D. J. Australas. Coll. Road Saf. 2006; 17(3): 34-39.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Australasian College of Road Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A significant potential population of d/Deaf** drivers and riders exists both in Australia and internationally. As yet, no systematic investigation of the services available to aid this group in becoming licensed to drive or ride has been completed. The current investigation reviewed the level of services made available through Australian licensing authorities to aid d/Deaf drivers and riders. A search of publicly available licensing information together with direct surveying of customer service representatives in each jurisdiction was used to gain the information. Results indicate that the level of services available varies considerably within Australian licensing authorities. The results are discussed in relation to relevant international licensing practices and possibilities for enhancing available services for d/Deaf clients.

**The term 'Deaf' with a capital D refers to those people that regard themselves as a "linguistic and cultural minority group" [Napier, J., The D/deaf – H/hearing debate. Sign Language Studies, Vol.2, 2002: pp. 141-149., p141] while 'deaf' individuals are defined as those with a hearing impairment who identify with the culture of the hearing majority, communicating using lip-reading or verbal English, often through the use of hearing aids.