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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine how Black Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult male learners understand their learning and schooling experiences. Research questions guiding this study were how do Black Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult male learners define their identities? What are the learning and schooling experiences of Black Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult male learners? What is the relationship between the identities of Black Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult male learners and their learning and schooling experiences, and in what ways has this relationship impacted and/or affected their lives in contemporary times? Six Black Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult male participants with different audiological hearing disabilities participated in this study. The Black Deaf and hard-ofhearing male participants who participated within this study were identity by using purposeful and snowball sampling techniques. The men in this study were residents of the state of Georgia; had a significant hearing loss impacting their lives in all social and interrelational contexts; were employed for a minimum of six months; graduated with a high school diploma; and have lived independently for a minimum of six months. Data were collected through a series of in-depth interviews. A nationally certified sign language interpreter was included as part of the data collecting process. All of the interviews were both audio and video taped and subsequently transcribed. Relying upon narrative inquiry as my theoretical framework, eleven analytical findings emerged. This findings of this study show that Black Deaf or hard-of-hearing adult men can and do engage in learning activities despite physiological (auditory/oral) barriers to participation. And when the social context is culturally conducive to Black Deaf or hardof- hearing adult male learners specific learning interests, their experiences are enhanced and are considered successful.