Integrating Worlds: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study on the Influence of Deaf Role Models as Expressed by Hearing Parents.

Deaf role models (DRMs) mentor d/Deaf and hard of hearing (d/Dhh) children and their families by sharing their personal experiences of d/Deafness. Ten parents from Australia and New Zealand provided their perspectives on the influence that the inclusion or absence of DRMs had in their lives. Five group experiential themes were identified: DRMs shaping early parental understandings of d/Deafness and clinical interventions, DRMs and hearing allies, DRMs as symbols of representation and normalization, DRMs as valued sources of guidance and holistic support, and DRMs promoting sociolinguistic bilingualism. The findings provide new insights, highlighting the pivotal role of DRMs in reshaping hearing parents' perceptions of d/Deafness, from a medical condition to a culturally rich identity. Policy implications and recommendations include recognizing the importance of early access to DRMs and encouraging a shift from deficit-based thinking to empowerment. The authors position DRMs as key agents in fostering "Deaf gain" and cultural understanding within families.