Connecting with organizations that support Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals helps strengthen inclusive communities and promotes equal access to communication and opportunities. These groups offer resources for education, advocacy, and outreach that benefit the wider public, not just those with hearing loss. By staying informed, supporting inclusive practices, and sharing resources with others, we all contribute to a world where every person—regardless of hearing ability—can thrive. Consider learning more through groups like the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), and local community centers.
National Organizations:
National Association of the Deaf (NAD): A civil rights organization advocating for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): Provides support, information, and resources for people with hearing loss and their families.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): A professional organization for audiologists and speech-language pathologists.
Alexander Graham Bell Association (AGBell): Focuses on individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and can hear and speak.
American Society for Deaf Children: Helps create opportunities for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to gain full communication access, particularly through the use of sign language.
National Deaf Center: Focuses on closing the gaps in education and employment for deaf people.
General Resources:
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID): Provides information on interpreting, finding an interpreter, and standard practices in the profession.
Hands & Voices: A parent-driven organization providing unbiased support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
988 Lifeline: Offers support and crisis intervention services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing through videophone, call, text, or online chat.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Provides information and resources on hearing loss, including resources for parents of children with hearing loss.
South Carolina Resources:
South Carolina Association of the Deaf (SCAD): Advocates for the full accessibility and quality of life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in South Carolina.
South Carolina Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (SC RID): Provides local forums and an organizational structure for the profession of interpretation and transliteration.