Accessible Meditation: Culturally Inclusive Practices for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities
Mind-Body Practices in Healthcare July 3, 2025 Nadine J. Pelling
Traditional meditation practices often rely on auditory cues like spoken guidance or bells, which can exclude Deaf, deaf, and hard of hearing individuals. This chapter describes how adapting meditation to use visual anchors, signed or tactile guidance, and storytelling methods can make it accessible. It discusses psychological and cognitive benefits for Deaf participants when practices are modified for visual and tactile communication. The chapter also covers ethical considerations, audism, cultural safety, and the importance of co-designing with Deaf community members. It offers a framework for creating inclusive, sustainable meditation that respects sensory diversity and supports long-term contemplative wellbeing.