Outreach in Deaf Communities

Whether you’re a domestic violence service provider, a concerned friend or family member, or simply trying to improve accessibility in your community, there are several basic steps you can take to better engage people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.

• Recruit Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing staff and volunteers. Always compensate them appropriately for their work, especially if you depend on them for interpretation or other Deaf services.
• Understand and empower Deaf culture. Learn about Deaf social movements, history, and struggles from Deaf people directly, recognizing that it’s your responsibility to learn, not theirs to teach.
• Familiarize yourself with local Deaf resources including interpreters, faith communities, cultural groups, and school programs.
• Include TTY phone numbers in all materials. Teach staff to use TTY and make sure the line is always answered.
• Take steps to ensure you meet accessibility standards for every service and resource you offer, including closed captioning for public service announcements.