Mission Statement
DIG empowers Deaf and Hard of Hearing government employees to overcome communication barriers, resolve accessibility issues, and promote a fully inclusive work environment through networking and fostering professional growth.
Purpose
DIG is a national non-profit organization whose purpose is two-fold. It serves as an employee support group for local, state and federal employees who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Late Deafened and as a resource for the government.
DIG coordinates and collaborates with external organizations such as the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Congress, White House, Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), National Association of the Deaf (NAD), State Associations for the Deaf, State Commissions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and other entities. DIG is an active member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Advocacy Network (DHHCAN).
Founded in 1992 after a successful conference in Austin, Texas, Deaf Seniors of America, Inc. (DSA) emerged to serve the unique needs of Deaf seniors nationwide. Spearheaded by advocate Ralph White, DSA quickly evolved from a grassroots vision into a national organization. By 1997, DSA adopted its current name and launched New Horizons, a quarterly magazine for Deaf seniors. Since then, DSA has hosted biennial conferences across the U.S., providing education, community engagement, and advocacy. Despite setbacks, such as the cancellation of conferences in 2011 and 2021, DSA has remained resilient, embracing virtual outreach and returning stronger with its 2023 gathering in Florida. Through leadership, community spirit, and a commitment to inclusion, DSA continues to empower Deaf seniors to live vibrant, connected lives.
InclusivityWorks is a Deaf-led nonprofit advancing equity, access, and opportunity for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH) communities nationwide. We collaborate with interpreters, service providers, and organizations to address communication access gaps and increase understanding of DDBDDHH experiences. Our work includes developing accessible educational materials, hosting workshops, and supporting grassroots community-building efforts. InclusivityWorks centers the voices of those most impacted and builds lasting systems of inclusion through partnership, education, and connection.
Signs of Fun originated as a summer camp in the Fredericksburg, VA area to provide a supportive and engaging environment for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafDisabled children who had limited summer camp opportunities. Recognizing the broader needs of families, we expanded into an online resource center and advocacy group, specializing in supporting military families navigating the challenges of frequent relocations. Additionally, we launched a Deaf-led ASL Parent Program during camp week, equipping parents with sign language skills and fostering active participation in Deaf Advocacy Day (DAD). More information about our camp can be found here: http://www.signsoffuncamp.org/ .
The program we run for parents and professionals to give a better understanding of language deprivation and the need for language acquisition can be found here: www.deaflab.org. It serves as an online resource for educational purposes.
As our director’s spouse's military service brought us to Hawai‘i, we proudly expanded our reach to serve families on both the East and West Coasts of the United States.
Ethiopian Deaf Community in USA
The Ethiopian Deaf Community in USA is a nonprofit organization established in 2017 to support and empower Ethiopian deaf individuals residing in the United States EDCUSA is dedicated to promoting inclusivity accessibility and equal opportunities for members of the Ethiopian deaf community With more than 70 active members the organization serves as a hub for advocacy education and community development Mission EDCUSA s mission is to bridge the gap in communication foster unity and provide vital resources to Ethiopian deaf individuals By addressing the unique challenges faced by this community EDCUSA aims to enhance their quality of life and ensure they have equal access to education employment and social services Vision EDCUSA envisions a society where Ethiopian deaf individuals are empowered valued and included in every aspect of community life The organization strives to create a world where linguistic and cultural barriers are eliminated and individuals can thrive access to
Joyful Life Cochlear Implant Fund
We help un-insured and under-insured cochlear implant recipients, in the US, with the ongoing costs of keeping their sound processors working to ensure they don't lose their hearing a second time. We also provide confidence coaching to support their emotional needs.
At Joyful Life Cochlear Implant Fund, we believe a person’s ability to hear should not depend on their ability to pay.
New England Homes for the Deaf
New England Homes for the Deaf (NEHD), founded in 1901, is a life plan community that offers continuum of care to Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing seniors, including independent living, rest home, skilled nursing community, Deaf senior centers, short-term rehabilitation services, respite care services and hospice care.
The New England Homes for the Deaf mission is to provide long term healthcare, housing, recreational activities and social support for Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing individuals in an accessible, barrier-free and culturally-sensitive environment with optimal communication and architectural resources.