About

This doctoral research explores the perspectives and lived experiences of d/Deaf emerging adults aged 18–29 in relation to mental well-being. Using a participatory photovoice approach, participants shared photographs and reflections around: the diversity of d/Deaf young adults' experiences, identity, communication, accessibility, exclusion, belonging, exhaustion, resilience, self-care, advocacy, and layered mental well-being.

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The project aims to raise awareness, encourage reflection, and create space for greater understanding and dialogue around the well-being experiences of d/Deaf emerging adults, while also highlighting the value of participatory and arts-based research methods in sharing lived experience in meaningful and accessible ways.

 

Ethical approval was granted by the Metanoia Institute ethics panel. Developed in collaboration with culturally Deaf advisers, the project followed photovoice ethical principles throughout the research process. Consistent with the participatory nature of photovoice, participants could choose how they wished to be represented, including using their full name, first name only, initials, a pseudonym, or remaining anonymous.

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This website was created to accompany a one-day gallery exhibition event at the Science Gallery, King’s College London. While the exhibition presented a selection of participant photographs and reflections, the website includes a wider collection of images, narratives, themes, and project information.

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Terminology: The term d/Deaf is used throughout this project to reflect the diversity of identities, experiences, and communication preferences represented within the participant group. Individual preferences regarding terminology, including references to Deaf (capital D) identity, culture, and community, have been respected wherever possible.

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Contact:

Tiffany Wade

06192@metanoia.ac.uk