Deaf Awareness Month

September is the month of deaf awareness. However, this week is the official  International Week of the Deaf beginning on September 18th to the 24th.

This month, and especially this week, allows us to emphasize the importance of equal access to those with hearing disabilities. This applies to education, careers, and normal everyday activities that hearing impaired persons may find challenging without accessibility tools to assist them.

We as a company consider deaf awareness a year-round obligation. We believe in supporting each other to ensure that we all have equal access to daily activities, offline and online.

From VeryWellHealth:

• Make sure to gain the person’s attention before trying to communicate.
• Ensure lighting is adequate; bright enough to see well but not create shadows on the speaker’s face or shine directly in the other person’s eyes.
• If speaking, do so clearly and at a normal volume. Don’t exaggerate mouth movements or facial expressions. If you have a mustache/beard, be sure it is well-trimmed. Do not cover your mouth with your hands.
• Check for understanding. If there is a breakdown in communication, figure out another way to say, spell, or write down the main ideas.

Deaf Awareness Organizations

Here is a list of organizations working to support the deaf community. Consider donating to a great cause today!

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services (Charity Code 0316138): ADWAS provides comprehensive services to Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.

Alexander Graham Bell Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Charity Code 1479641): is a lifelong resource, support network and advocate for listening, learning, talking and living independently with hearing loss. Through publications, advocacy, training, scholarships and financial aid, AG Bell promotes the use of spoken language and hearing technology.

Deaf Children’s Literacy Project (Charity Code 0524378): Most deaf children are behind in English language and literacy. Reading opens the door to their future. Give them the power of English to succeed.

Deaf Education Advocates Foundation (Charity Code 1478867): The mission of D.E.A.F. is to enhance the deaf and hard of hearing children and youth in Washington State. D.E.A.F. raises funds in support of Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss.

Deaf Spotlight (Charity Code 1481160): Deaf Spotlight inspires, encourages, and showcases creative works of, by, and for Deaf people in the Pacific Northwest through events that celebrate Deaf culture and American Sign Language.

Deaf-blind Service Center (Charity Code 0315928): Advocacy, information, training and job support services for adults who are both deaf and blind. Assistance for parents of young Deaf-Blind children.

Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans/NEADS (Charity Code 0456610): Independence and companionship for wounded warriors, autistic children, the deaf and disabled by providing custom-trained Service Dogs. Help provide these much needed Service Dogs.

Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center (Charity Code 0320822): Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center HSDC is a Western Washington service hub for people with hearing and speech challenges. Our mission is to foster inclusive, accessible communities through communication, advocacy, and education.

Washington State Deaf Senior Citizens (charity code 1482068): Our purpose to serve as an advocate for Deaf Seniors by providing information and education programs to enhance their physical, economic and social wellbeing, and to other wise promote the common interest of Deaf Seniors in the State of Washington.

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