Research & Data

As deaf people leave high school and prepare for college or careers, the National Deaf Center wants them to succeed. Our research shows that over the past decade more deaf people are completing college degrees and getting jobs, but not at the same rate as hearing people. We’re here to change that. National Deaf Center uses the best available evidence to help you make better informed decisions. This evidence comes from community expertise, national surveys, secondary analyses of large-scale data, and reviews of research. Looking for specific research or data? Contact the NDC Help Team and make a request.

NDC's Data Dashboard

The content is a table from the National Deaf Center's Data Dashboard, showing data from the American Community Survey 2022. It includes statistics on bachelor's degree attainment and median earnings for deaf and hearing workers aged 16-64 in various occupational fields at the national level. It compares the percentage of workers with bachelor's degrees or higher and their median earnings for both deaf and hearing individuals in different occupations.

In 2021, 1.9% of people in the United States are deaf – learn more about the educational and employment experiences of deaf people by exploring our interactive data dashboard! National and state level data are available.

Deaf Youth Report: What Does the Data Tell Us?

Deaf young people in the United States who are between the age of 16 and 24 are a highly diverse group – while some of them are still in high school, many are working or continuing their education. However, more deaf youth are not working or going to school, compared to hearing people in the same age group. This is an opportunity to improve systems of support so more deaf youth have equitable access in school and the workplace.

Deaf College Student Data & Research Findings

Research consistently underscores the positive impact of higher education on the lives of deaf people. Deaf people who have earned a college degree earn more money, have higher employment rates, and are more likely to be involved in their communities.

Latest Research

Community-Led Research

New NDC Report

A row of diverse students sits at desks and they are smiling.
Deaf Youth: What Does the Data Tell Us?

Deaf young people in the United States who are between the age of 16 and 24 are a highly diverse group – while some of them are still in high school, many are working or continuing their education.

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Data Spotlight

ONLINE LEARNING MODULE

Discovering System Barriers and Exploring the WHY

This is a one-hour self-paced learning module that helps you explore factors that influence postsecondary outcomes for people who are deaf. Understanding root causes is an important step for moving beyond temporary solutions to address systemic causes of educational inequities for deaf people.

From Our Video Library

Research Translated! Promoting High Expectations for Success
Research Translated! Impact of Extracurricular Involvement on Postsecondary Outcomes for Deaf Youth
Research Translated! Modeling the Role of Autonomy in Achieving Sustainable Employment for Deaf Young Adults

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