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There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to communication, nor is there a “typical” deaf person. Each individual is unique and brings their own set of communication needs and preferences, based on the setting and the purpose of the interaction.
When first meeting a deaf person, do not make assumptions about the individual’s communication preference. NDC's Communicating with Deaf Individuals tip sheet suggests that you inquire with the deaf person about their preferred communication needs for different settings. Writing, gestures, speech, sign language, technology, and visual aids are all options to be explored.
The deaf communities are widely diverse with people from different races, ethnicities, cultures, languages, and religions. The list below of deaf organizations (while not exhaustive) focuses on a variety of identities within the deaf communities for you to connect with and learn more about their lives and perspectives.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC): Deaf Women of Color, Council de Manos, National Hispanic Latino Association of the Deaf (NHLAD), National Asian Deaf Congress (NADC), National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA), and Sacred Circle
LGBTQIA/Queer: Deaf Queer Resource Center and Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf
DeafBlind and DeafDisabled: American Association of the DeafBlind, NAD’s Deaf and Disabled Stories on Facebook, and Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults (HKNC)
General Advocacy & Networking: Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA), Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), National Cued Speech Association, and National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Religion: Episcopal Conference of the Deaf, National Catholic Office for the Deaf, Global Deaf Muslims, and Jewish Deaf Congress (JDC)
The National Association of State Agencies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NASADHH) maintains a directory of state-by-state agencies serving deaf individuals. If you do not see an agency listed for your state, NASADHH recommends reaching out to your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency for additional support and referrals.
ASL classes can be found locally or online through a number of different organizations, schools, and colleges. The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has a page with information and recommendations on where to find classes:
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Local/State Colleges & Universities
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Community Centers for the Deaf
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Speech and Hearing Centers
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Deaf Education programs within local mainstreamed schools
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State Chapters of the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)