The Digitization Technology for the Deaf on Cruise Passenger ships “the Problems and the Solutions”

Abstract

Deaf people are an entity that exists in all societies and countries. The problem is deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) face major difficulties during transportation of all kinds, especially marine ones. This Study clarifies those challenges, problems and draws the attention of governments, international organizations, and associations to the requirement for improving the field of maritime transport. A questionnaire was developed for the deaf to identify the problems facing the deaf and how to find solutions to these problems (about 380 deaf people participated in). Another questionnaire was developed for seafarers in the field of cruise and marine passenger transport, in order to recognize the problems, also there are many interviews with workers during their contacts with the deaf and their participation in providing solutions, and approximately 60 people participated in. The results reveal that the deaf community does not enjoy all rights in transportation. The research has many limitations, it is so difficult to gain a sample of participants chosen from the DHH in the Arab countries, and also very difficult to communicate with them. In addition to, the lack of research, references, and studies on this concern. Keywords: DHHs – Passenger ships – transportation – Deaf rights – A smartphone application