Conference Program

In the healthcare sector, the inclusion of Deaf individuals remains a critical democratic challenge. Communication barriers frequently compromise equal access to care, thereby exacerbating health disparities for the Deaf community. This abstract examines the panel’s focus on Deaf inclusion as a democratic imperative, analyzing accessibility within Italian hospitals and the necessity of training healthcare personnel in Deaf culture and Italian Sign Language (LIS).

Drawing upon clinical experience and empirical research, this study highlights how linguistic and cultural misunderstandings—such as inaccessible centralized booking systems (CUP), opaque medical reports, and lip-reading obstructed by surgical masks—violate the constitutional right to health (Art. 32) and perpetuate social exclusion.

The Deaf community constitutes a distinct linguistic and cultural group, with LIS officially recognized under Law 71/2021. Nevertheless, hospital interactions often pathologize deafness rather than embracing Deafhood. Empirical insights derived from interviews with Deaf patients and LIS interpreters reveal significant systemic inefficiencies: anxiety stemming from misunderstandings, diagnostic errors, and social isolation. These factors contribute to poorer primary care outcomes compared to hearing populations (Fellinger, 2005).

Proposed strategies emphasize visual-centric approaches—including direct eye contact, optimal lighting, transparent masks, and simplified written communication—alongside the integration of cultural mediators and LIS interpreters, positioned laterally to maintain a patient-centered focus.

Mandatory Continuing Medical Education (ECM) provides nurses, physicians, and healthcare assistants (OSS) with the fundamentals of LIS (the manual alphabet and key signs such as "where is the pain?"), empathetic protocols, and cultural sensitivity. This approach transforms disability into a multidisciplinary asset. Furthermore, the post-COVID implementation of telemedicine featuring remote LIS interpreting enhances health equity. These initiatives align with the principles of democratic inclusion and foster participation, echoing the panel’s call for interdisciplinary dialogue across education, policy, and culture.