By: Amani Jordan
The deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) community is a diverse group of individuals who share a common experience of hearing loss, often connected by the use of sign language as their primary means of communication. Within this community, there is a rich cultural identity that celebrates not just the experience of deafness, but also the values of inclusion, self-expression, and solidarity. Deaf and HoH culture embraces unique traditions, history, and art forms, and emphasizes the importance of visibility and accessibility for all individuals regardless of their hearing ability. For many in the community, deafness is not seen as a disability but as a distinctive and valuable part of their identity.
The deaf and HoH community is often underrepresented and unheard in many aspects of society, from media and education to healthcare and policy-making. Despite being a significant minority, deaf individuals frequently face barriers to communication, access, and inclusion. Mainstream narratives often overlook or misinterpret their experiences perpetuating stereotypes and marginalizing their voices. As a result, important issues such as accessible education, employment opportunities, and healthcare are often inadequately addressed. This lack of representation not only silences the deaf community but also reinforces the misconception that deafness is something to be fixed, rather than a cultural and linguistic identity deserving of recognition and respect.
Photo by: https://www.nad.org
A key organization advocating for the rights and recognition of the deaf and HoH community is the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), which has played a pivotal role in advancing legislation, promoting accessibility, and ensuring that the voices of deaf individuals are heard on a national scale. NAD was established in 1880 by deaf leaders who wanted the right for the American deaf community to use sign language when convening on issues held important to them and have them represented at the national level. With American Sign language remaining the group's core value, the advocacy reach of NAD has improved the lives of millions through their intervention in areas such as education, employment, and health care, technology, telecommunications, youth leadership, and more. NAD executes their federal advocacy through alliance efforts with specialized national deaf and HoH organizations. NAD represents the United States of America to the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), which is an international human rights organization.
Photo by: Barry Thumma/AP Images
NAD has been actively involved with civil rights for their community such as their early achievement of securing the right to federal civil service employment and the right to drive a car, following with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Today the group is engaged in the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act which arises from a chain of laws, passed in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Other Acts include the No Child Left Behind Act, Fair Housing Act, Television Decoder Circuitry Act, and more. Their organization provides resources for American Sign Language, outlooks into deaf and HoH people in the workforce with their #DeafAtWork section, quick access to information about the Described and Captioned Media Program, Directories, Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers, Education, and further information and resources about other topics. To learn more about this organization, get involved, or contact the group, please visit the National Association of the Deaf.
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