The Nature of Risk: HIV/AIDS and the Deaf Community in the United States

Abstract

In this paper, a sociopolitical perspective is applied in order to explore why individuals in the U.S. who are Deaf are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV infection. An analysis of the social, political, and attitudinal environments surrounding people who are Deaf reveals numerous barriers that may hinder access to sexuality education and HIV prevention programs. Recommendations for policy and practice that are grounded in a well-informed understanding of the roots of Deaf oppression in American society are offered.