RONEL DAVIDS

“Reach out for help – often the journey can be a lonely one, often we make the mistake thinking we are alone on this journey.”

Tell us about the background of your research.

My research was on parents parenting children who are deaf – this includes children who are hard of hearing and profoundly deaf. Its focused was on (title) Developing guidelines for parents parenting children who are deaf. The study highlighted the need of support for parents in South Africa through parent support programmes. Importantly, what the review revealed was that there are only two parent intervention programme for hearing parents parenting children with a hearing loss in South Africa. The study itself was explorative in that it sought to research a relatively new problem about which little is known. It attempted to provide a solution based on collaborations in the form of guidelines, and therefore lends itself to local relevance to influence policy issues in South Africa pertaining to the crucial need for parental support as government should design and facilitate programmes to strengthen families (Department of Social Development, 2013). Its international relevance forms part of an international call for action for adapted Global Coalition of Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (GPOD) which calls for a research agenda through collaboration of practices in various countries (Moeller et al., 2013).

What were the motivations for carrying out this research?

Before entering academia, I worked within the Deaf community as a social worker and as a sign language Interpreter. I was always aware that many hearing parents were always seeking assistance with regards to the challenges they faced when parenting their child who is deaf. There was always this curiosity of why do so many children who are deaf identify with the deaf community as their place of belonging. Many leave home at a very young age because of feeling excluded in their own families. Hence my research in trying to understand these reasons and also how can support be provided to hearing parents who often know very little if not anything about the deaf world. Furthermore, advancing research in the field of disability and particularly in deafness, where so little research has been done, holds invaluable significance for those working within the field of social work and in the public health sector especially within the context of South Africa.

Research can be a long and tough journey, what kept you going during this process?

I kept telling myself – “this too shall pass”. This became my mantra on my journey. But, having supportive and understanding supervisors makes the journey a little more easy. Regular check-ins and the understanding and support was great especially when I felt the journey was too hard.

Who is your biggest inspiration/What inspires you?

I think the area of research that I am currently in, inspires me. – I am able to use my PhD studies in my learning and teaching and community/ stakeholder engagement. One organisations is using the findings of the study as part of their funding proposals – so I am glad that after all that hard work that went into the study it, can be used as a funding tool for local relevance.

What is the funniest/scariest/most embarrassing or best thing that has happened to you as a researcher?

The best thing that could have happened to me as a PhD student was publishing my PhD in article format.

There are certainly lots of lesson you took from your journey, what can you share with an aspiring researcher/post grad student?

Reach out for help – often the journey can be a lonely one, often we make the mistake thinking we are alone on this journey. The mind can be our biggest battlefield. Stop listening to the inner voice when it says you can’t or when it says it is too difficult. Tip: surround yourself with people/ academics who are willing to walk the journey with you and who have different skill sets to assist you. Keep your supervisors updated on your progress and lastly, avoid comparing yourself to others – your research is unique – some students move at a faster pace, while others take time to understand and to develop their own set of skills in research.

COVID-19 has been a huge challenge in the society at large, how did you cope with this challenge?

Balancing a teaching load, work commitments, family life and studies was challenging especially during Covid19. However, I had good support i.e. my family, supervisors and may I add a good working environment that was supportive. I also think the Self-Management Academic Scholar programme (SMASP) played an important role. As emerging researchers, a few of us that were completing our PhD’s and MA studies, frequently got together to attend online workshops on topics that included; developing academics to enhance their understanding of the competitive environment and equipping self-and resilient academics to deal with the ever changing environment. Our online workshops also provided us colleagues with an opportunity to share our progress often leaving us recharged. In addition, the SMASP programme provided us with life coaches – a much needed resource when embarking on a PhD or Master’s study. It provided a supportive, comfortable and confidential space for me to share my progress and often my frustrations – my highs and lows

How was your supervision experience in one word?

Supportive

What are you currently doing (work/ academics)?

Lecturing in the Social Work Department and currently the Undergraduate Theory Coordinator. I also supervise 4 MA students and co-supervising 1 PhD student in the Social Work Department.

What does the future hold for Ronel Davids?

More research that makes a positive difference in the field of deafness in South Africa. Would like to do more stakeholder engagement and research between UWC and the Deaf community – disability community - in areas for example of GBV and interdisciplinary collaborations so that issues of disability are more prominently featured on our UWC agenda..