Olatunji Saheed Olawale
Department of early childhood care and education
School of Early ChildhoodCare, Primary, Adult and Non-formal Education
Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo state
olatunji.saheed1714@fcesoyo.edu.ng
08131371934
Adubuola Elizabeth Olaoluwa
Department of early childhood care and education
School of Early ChildhoodCare, Primary, Adult and Non-formal Education
Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo state
elizabethadubuola@gmail.com
08059501357
&
BabarindeAdelayoChristianah
Department of Education for Learners with Hearing Impairment
School of Special Education
Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo state
akinadeadelayo@gmail.com
08032188995
Abstract
The study focused on Covid – 19 awareness and the use and effects of facemasks on communication among Deaf students and sign language interpreters. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study while the sample for the study comprised thirteen deaf students of the early childhood education department of FCES Oyo. An interview schedule consisting of twelve questions was used for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using thematic approach. The result showed that majority of the deaf students were aware of Covid-19 existence. This awareness was obtained mainly from social media, online browsing, and one on one conversation, they believe that covid-19 is spread through physical contact, non- observance of social distancing and non- use of facemasks, they also believe that use of facemasks, regular use of hand sanitizer and observing social distancing is the best preventive measure from covid-19 infection. The result further showed that deaf students do not like other deaf students and sign language interpreters using full covered facemasks during communication process because this practice makes it difficult to lip read the conveyor of message or instructions thereby leading to ineffective communication. Deaf students recommended that clear face masks and face shield should be used while maintaining physical distancing and the conveyor of messages or instruction should always use hand sanitizer. The researchers also recommended that government at all levels and NGOs should sponsor sign language interpreters to convey news and other educative programmes on TV stations, schools should employ capable hands that use manual signs very well and put a task force in place to make sure that students and staff maintain physical distancing while communicating.
Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic Deafness, Facemasks Early Childhood Education, Precautionary Measures
