Can society hear them? Deaf and hard of hearing young people in Bulgaria and their place in the economy

The state of the deaf and hard of hearing youth community in Bulgaria is marked by several challenges related to their social and economic integration. Despite the adoption of the Sign Language Act in 2021, which recognizes Bulgarian Sign Language as an independent language and provides for the provision of interpretation services, in practice there are significant obstacles to its implementation, especially with regard to the qualification and remuneration of sign language interpreters, who by 2025, according to the website of the Agency for People with Disabilities, number 38, and for the Ruse district – only 2.

Lack of sufficient information and limited resources make it difficult for deaf and hard of hearing people to access these services. For example, according to unofficial data, there are about 120,000 deaf citizens in Bulgaria, but after the introduction of the interpretation service, only 140 applications have been submitted.

Training and education

Education is another area where deaf and hard of hearing youth face serious difficulties. Many study in mainstream schools without access to sign language instruction, which hinders their learning and socialization. The shortage of qualified teachers fluent in sign language further complicates the learning process. Data from the first-ever study in Bulgaria, "Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Can Too" (2023), on the linguistic and cultural identity of deaf and hard of hearing youth reveal that 75% of teachers in special schools do not use Bulgarian Sign Language (BSL). Current and former students with hearing impairments rate their education and school experiences poorly. Nearly 55% of surveyed students and graduates with hearing impairments express a desire for bilingual education, meaning they want to learn both Bulgarian Sign Language and written Bulgarian simultaneously.

In the workforce, deaf and hard of hearing young people often encounter prejudice and a lack of understanding from employers. Despite possessing high qualifications and skills, they struggle to secure jobs due to communication barriers and a lack of awareness about their capabilities.

The experience of Western Europe

Unlike Bulgaria, countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, and Germany have more successful integration policies for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. These countries have well-developed support systems, including access to sign language education, specialized vocational training programs, and active policies promoting employment for the deaf and hard of hearing, particularly young people. Society in these countries is more informed and accepting of people with hearing impairments, facilitating their full integration into economic and social life.

To improve the situation of deaf and hard of hearing youth in Bulgaria, a well-coordinated state policy is needed in the following areas:

• Raising awareness among the public about sign language and deaf culture, which can be done through media campaigns.
• Providing qualified translators and facilitating access to translation services.
• Improving the education system by including sign language in the learning process and training teachers.
• Encouraging employers to hire deaf and hard of hearing employees and providing support for adapting workplaces.
• Only through targeted efforts and changes in policies and societal attitudes can deaf and hard of hearing youth in Bulgaria achieve full economic and social integration.

The role of the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry in supporting deaf and hard of hearing youth

In the context of efforts to improve the labor integration of deaf and hard of hearing young people in Bulgaria, the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry is implementing the project QSA4Disability. It aims to create a new standard for distance apprenticeships, specifically adapted for people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments. This standard for distance apprenticeships (composed of tools, electronic solutions and activities) will create a more inclusive vocational education and training and business environment that promotes equality and equity for this vulnerable group. This is particularly important given the challenges that deaf young people face in finding a job, due to communication barriers and lack of awareness on the part of employers. Initiatives such as “QSA4Disability” are creating conditions for easier access to the labor market and full economic integration of deaf young people in Bulgaria.

The project is essential for young people with hearing impairments, as it offers an innovative approach to vocational training through distance learning forms of apprenticeship. This allows these young people to acquire practical skills and experience without the need for physical presence, which is often associated with communication barriers and a lack of accessible environments. By creating standardized distance learning programmes, the project facilitates the transition of young people with hearing impairments from education to employment, increases their competitiveness on the labour market and promotes their social integration.

The inclusion of such initiatives as "QSA4Disability" and the already completed project "Signing Banks" is essential for overcoming the existing challenges facing deaf and hard of hearing young people in Bulgaria and for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment that would allow them to fully participate in the economic and social life of the country.