Deaf People, Injustice and Reconciliation Signed Memories

This book focuses on injustices that have taken place to deaf people and the sign language community in Finland from 1900.

For decades, memories and stories about past injustices have been passed down from one generation to another among deaf people and the sign language community. This research explains this history from the perspective of deaf people and their community and contributes to the truth and reconciliation process of the Finnish Government with the community, which is globally the first of its kind.

Using participatory research methods, it is relevant for Disability Studies, Social Work, and Human Rights Studies, Political Science and History.

Hisayo Katsui (PhD) is Professor in Disability Studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Suvi-Maaria Tepora-Niemi (PhD) is a researcher at Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

Maija Koivisto is a doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

Niina Meriläinen (PhD and docent in political science) is a researcher at Tampere University, Finland.

Pauli Rautiainen (PhD) is Senior Lecturer in Social Law at the Center of Law and Welfare in the University of Eastern Finland.

Päivi Rainò (PhD) is Senior Researcher at Humak University of Applied Sciences.

Merja Tarvainen (PhD) is Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Eastern Finland.

Heikki Hiilamo (PhD) works as a research professor at Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and as a professor of social policy at University of Helsinki.