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The Bio-Psycho-Social Model of Disability: Giving d/Deaf Signers the Concert Experiences they Really,
Really Want!
Amy Simmons: MPhil (B) Cultural Inquiry. [email protected] is often assumed to be the preserve of the hearing, but d/Deaf Signers can and do attend concerts. Entertainment venues are often unprepared to process a d/Deaf Signer’s request for an interpreter. But this is not the only factor affecting d/Deaf Signers’ concert experiences; psychological and physiological factors must also be accounted for if d/Deaf Signers are to optimise their concert experiences. My findings favour a bio-psycho-social model of disability, as opposed to a purely social or individual model. The immediate aim of the study is to support a more holistic, flexible view of d/Deafness (critically evaluating the social model of disability), but the ultimate aim of the study is to improve d/Deaf Signers’ concert experiences.
Interviews in person
Online questionnaires
Research methods
Physiological Psychological SocialDr Paul Whittaker OBE is deaf. He has a positive attitude towards his deafness and does not consider it a barrier to enjoying music.
Many d/Deaf individuals find medical technologies, such as hearing aids, enhance their concert experiences.
Andy Higgins is a Sign interpreter. His company, VEE Limited, assigns Sign interpreters to performances, ensuring d/Deaf Signers have the best value for money.
How the Bio-Psycho-Social Model of Disability can Benefit d/Deaf SignersModels of DisabilityIndividual model of disability• Disability is an individual experience, found in the body of a disabled
person. To end disability, one must depend on medical advances.
Social model of disability• Disability is a social experience, found in society. To end disability, one
must address negative social attitudes towards disabled people.
Bio-Psycho-Social model of disability• Disability is a physiological, psychological and social experience, found
in the body and mind of a disabled person and in society. To end disability, one must depend on medical advances, address negative social attitudes and negative personal attitudes.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4
1. In 1998, the Spice Girls tour Spice World was interpreted each night by an on-screen interpreter. Spice World inspired my study!
2. In 1999, Geri Halliwell interpreted ‘Lift Me Up’ personally during all of her promotional performances for the piece.
3. In 2008, the Bon Jovi tour The Lost Highway was interpreted one night by JoAnna Ball, at the request of a d/Deaf audience member.
4. In 2011, Fletch@ performed at Deafab; she is a Sign-song artist, giving d/Deaf Signers access to music by Signing to recordings of widely recognised songs.
How Sign Interpretation can be Provided Further Information• The term ‘d/Deaf’ refers to those who do not identify with Deaf culture, and those
who do. • The term ‘disability’ is not meant to imply d/Deaf Signers are disabled, I am only
using the terminology Oliver (1983) used when he termed the Union of the Physically Impaired Against Segregation’s ideas the social model of disability.
• British Sign Language is a language in its own right, which is why ‘Sign’ is capitalised.
• I have developed a guide to best practice, but ultimately, if attitudes remain unchallenged, policies, Acts and Conventions (e.g. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) will only be semi-successful.
• I do not Sign yet, but hope to begin a course in September, 2012. • I gratefully acknowledge my supervisors Dr Clare Barker and Dr Charlotte Ross,
my mentor Steve Potter, my research participants, my loved ones (friends included).
• The title borrows ‘Really, Really Want’ from ‘Wannabe’ (Spice Girls, Stannard, Rowe, 1996), in tribute to the quintet who inspired the study.
Oliver, M. (1983). Social Work with Disabled People. London: MacMillan. Spice Girls, Stannard, R., Rowe, M. (1996) Wannabe. From the album ‘Spice’. London: Virgin. UPIAS (1976). Fundamental Principles of Disability. London: UPIAS.
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