kuulorajoitteisten

Kuulorajoitteisten is the Finnish term for people with hearing impairment. It includes individuals with a range of hearing loss from mild to profound, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The term describes a functional condition rather than a disease and encompasses diverse experiences, communication preferences, and support needs.

Terminology and identity: Some people prefer "kuulonvammaiset" or identify as Deaf or as part of Deaf culture, particularly among sign language users. "Kuulorajoitteiset" emphasizes functional limitation, and usage varies by context and personal choice.

Communication and accessibility: Common options include Finnish Sign Language (Suomen viittomakieli, SVK), spoken Finnish, and written communication. Assistive devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, as well as captioning, sign language interpretation, and assistive listening systems, improve access in education, work, media, and public services.

Education and rights: In Finland, people with hearing impairment have rights to accessible education, reasonable accommodations, and non-discrimination in public services. Legislation promotes accessibility in schools, workplaces, and media; subtitles and interpretation services are increasingly available in public broadcasting.

Community and culture: The community is diverse. Some members identify with Deaf culture and sign language communities; others rely primarily on amplification and spoken language. Advocacy focuses on early identification, inclusion, and equal access to information and opportunities.