Legal-constitutional protection of deaf people: analysis, evolution, dysfunctions and proposals for regulatory improvements

Abstract

The doctoral thesis provides a comprehensive review of the legal-constitutional protections for deaf individuals in Spain, from the perspective of the social and democratic State of law. Deaf people, as a social group at risk of discrimination, have developed their own cultural and linguistic characteristics over time. This has led to their recognition as a distinct community, the deaf community, with its own language, sign language. The thesis critically reviews the advances made in the regulation and protection of deaf individuals within the law of people with disabilities. It also outlines areas where legal improvements could be beneficial. Similarly, it suggests a series of proposals to improve the legal treatment of deaf individuals. Finally, the thesis details the areas where public administrations have failed to comply with aspects of deaf individuals’ rights, and explores their possible responsibilities. These areas include the status of sign language, access to education, employment, audiovisual media, and all fundamental rights essential to the free development of their personality.