Transition experiences for individuals who are culturally Deaf, deaf, or hard of hearing in the United States and Canada: A scoping review

Abstract

Introduction

Adolescence is a crucial time of transition in all aspects of life. Transition experiences for culturally Deaf individuals and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing often differ from the mainstream population. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine and synthesize the existing literature surrounding transition experiences for culturally Deaf and deaf and hard of hearing populations through the lens of Meleis’ Transitions Theory.

Method

Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review of literature related to transition experiences for culturally Deaf individuals and individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing was conducted. The scope of the review was limited to articles focused on the United States and Canada published in the past ten years.

Results

After the screening process, 46 sources related to transition experiences remained. The following transition periods were identified: postsecondary education transitions, early childhood transitions, other education transitions, vocational transitions, social transitions, independent living transitions, and health-related transitions. Additional concepts from Meleis’ Transitions Theory, such as transition types and transition conditions, were identified and included in the thematic analysis.

Discussion

Existing literature primarily focused on educational and vocational transitions during adolescence and young adulthood. However, most quantitative studies were secondary analyses of the National Longitudinal Transition Study (NLTS2). Future research should focus on intervention work and other relevant transitions, such as health care transitions.