Critically evaluating recent models of disability with reference to d/Deaf Signers’ concert experiences

The aim of this study was to critically evaluate recent models of disability, such as the social and bio-psycho-social models of disability, with reference to d/Deaf Signers’ experiences of access services in theatres and arenas and their experiences of attending live music events. I propose a cultural-linguistic-social-psycho-bio model of d/Deafness for analysing, understanding and (through future research) improving d/Deaf Signers’ concert experiences. I based my model on Deaf Signers’ self-identification as a culture and on their irrefutable claim that Signed languages are languages. In using ‘d/Deafness’ and ‘social-psycho-bio’ in my model, as opposed to ‘Deafness’ and ‘cultural-linguistic’ alone, I intend my model to encompass certain deaf Signers who do not self-identify as culturally Deaf. I will consider the barriers which d/Deaf Signers encounter when attempting to access live music events, whilst avoiding making assumptions that attending a concert is inherently preferable to not doing so or that every decision which a d/Deaf Signer makes not to attend a concert is connected to their d/Deafness. I interviewed (verbally or in written form) two d/Deaf Signers, six Sign interpreters (all but one was UK-based) and use responses from an impromptu telephone interview with a person who developed a theatre’s access policies.