Providing Athletic Training Resources to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Persons

Abstract

Athletic trainers are responsible for the care and health of active individuals in various settings, leading them to interact with an exponentially wider assortment of patients with unique personal backgrounds, socioeconomic status, culture, physical ability, and medical disabilities. One population often overlooked in the realm of sports and recreation is the Deaf community. Approximately 9% of the total world population is a member of the Deaf or Hard of Hearing community.¹ With the increase of participation and the necessity of equitable medical care among all athletes, athletic trainers need additional education, resources, and support on assisting Deaf athletes when they experience an injury or illness during the course of their athletic participation.