"Assessing Workplace Entry Barriers for Deaf Candidates in Indian Corporates: A Quantitative Analysis"

Abstract

This study explores the employment challenges faced by deaf job aspirants in Indian corporate settings, with a specific focus on comparing perceptions across three age groups: 18–21, 22–25, and 26–29 years. Using a quantitative research approach, data were collected from 200 respondents through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire addressing areas such as communication accessibility, interpreter support, training adequacy, digital readiness, and workplace inclusion. Descriptive statistics revealed strong agreement among participants regarding the importance of non-discriminatory practices, deaf-friendly environments, and the role of interpreters in job interviews. One-way ANOVA identified significant age-based differences in perceptions related to school training, mock interviews, interpreter presence, and the use of sign language in job descriptions. Post hoc (Tukey HSD) analysis further revealed that younger and middle-aged respondents differed significantly in their readiness and expectations, while Eta squared values showed small to moderate effect sizes, confirming the impact of age on certain variables. The study concludes that while core challenges such as discrimination and communication are universally recognized, tailored interventions are necessary to address the unique needs of different age cohorts. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and HR professionals seeking to create inclusive and age-sensitive recruitment practices for the deaf community.