The consumer culture or the culture’s consumer? the universal design in accessibility of deaf people to culture services

Abstract

The participation of about 5 to 6%, respectively, in the Brazilian and world populations, does not place deaf consumers in the focus of cultural and accessibility studies. Consuming is a meaningful human act and makes up the person’s identity. Deafness seen from a medical perspective is seen as a disability. On the other hand, from the socio-anthropological perspective, it is recognized as a cultural and linguistic difference that impacts the way a person sees and is seen in the world. Therefore, accessibility is guaranteed by preparation, either through the offer of instruments that guarantee autonomy or through the construction of spaces under the universal design theory that guarantees the autonomy of all people. This study analyzed experiences of cultural consumption by deaf people in Rio de Janeiro who live a communication barrier, identifying the barriers and limitations found in the market as well as the inclusive practices available. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out in which the interviewers described their experiences through their life stories. The discussion showed practices that create widely perceptible barriers and limitations, such as the lack of subtitles in national films, which discourage attendance at cultural venues such as cinemas. In addition, it is necessary to give space for speech and work places to people with disabilities, since they know the reality of the public with equal conditions. It is largely negative when palliative measures generate the impression of disrespect. Finally, autonomy measures achieve the objective they are intended to.