Deaf Community Services

Deaf Community Services (DCS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has ben making a difference in the San Diego Deaf community for over 50 years. Our purpose is to empower the Deaf community who are struggling with communication access by developing programs and services, such as advocacy, recovery programs, and ASL interpreting—to name a few, that will foster productive lives with equal access to the rights, privileges and opportunities that are available to the mainstream public.

US Based Deaf Action Foundation

The U.S. Based Deaf Action Foundation, established in 2019, welcomes people from all backgrounds to join us in challenging and transforming systems in America. We educate, advocate, conduct research, and empower to advance the rights, services, and equal opportunities for Deaf Black communities, immigrants, and refugees. We envision a world free from discrimination, where barriers are dismantled, inclusivity is embraced, and voices are amplified through American Sign Language.

Our mission is to empower Deaf individuals to enjoy equal rights and opportunities in society, fostering a community that supports others, drives positive change, and embraces diversity.

We also aim to increase the number of BIPOC ASL interpreters to ensure that the Deaf community receives adequate services. By providing orientation, resources, and support, we encourage BIPOC hearing families to build stronger relationships with their Deaf children through accessible communication and advocacy.

The Black Deaf Project

We are a 501c(3) educational Deaf and hearing Black collaborative nonprofit. We create educational materials, experiences, and trainings rooted in Black Deaf cultures in solidarity with other Communities of Color to build relationships, increase cultural understanding, promote respect, and create pathways to joy and liberation.

We honor our mission by:
- Creating and publishing Deaf BIPOC educational material and curriculum.

- Developing and facilitating educational and equity based workshops, trainings, and retreats

- Hosting and facilitating restorative justice circles and workshops

- Creating and leading Deaf BIPOC centric cultural trips throughout the United States and Abroad.

- Collaborating with Deaf and hearing community organizations and initiatives.

Hands United (Manos Unidas)

We work with immigrant populations with Deaf and hard of hearing children. We provide many services such as ASL classes in spoken Spanish, workshops on a variety of topics including IEPs, college transition and using drawing to communicate. We also help families connect to other services like DVR, health insurance, immigration lawyers, video phones and schools. All of our events and classes are free to families. We also offer services for translation with any combination of English, Spanish, and ASL.

The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges

The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges The Center was founded in 1957 Its mission is to provide opportunities for people with physical challenges to enhance the quality of their lives The Center's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Department provides the several programs designed to provide accessibility and increase independence They act as an advocate to resolve issues of communication and remove barriers to resources.

Interpreter Services provides qualified interpreters statewide and match businesses, schools, courts, hospitals and other entities with certified interpreters. Deaf Services serves those who are culturally deaf by providing training and advocacy to meet both cultural and communication needs through individualized services group trainings and workshops One-on-one services include budget assistance assistance with written correspondence and forms medical guidance and advocacy and legal assistance. Group training covers a range of topics such as the voting process, enrollment in Medicaid, etc.

Nykitas Homeless To Home Christian Faith-Based Project

Our nonprofit, Nykitas Homeless To Home Christian Faith-Based Project, is dedicated to address the issue of homelessness by providing comprehensive support and resources to individuals in need deaf HOH blind and those with other(Dis) abilities.

With the alarming rise and homelessness across our community, our initiative aims to offer a pathway to sustainable housing for those experiencing exploited traumas that led to homelessness.

Center On Deafness Inland Empire

Center On Deafness Inland Empire is a non-profit community based service agency. The mission of the CODIE is to ensure equal access of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community to the same opportunities afforded their hearing counterparts. The organization’s general purposes and powers are directed around the promotion of the social, recreational, cultural, educational, and vocational welfare of its Deaf and Hard of Hearing constituents.

CODIE’s specific and primary purpose is to act as a coordinating agency that addresses the board social service needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people through direct service provision, advocacy, research and dissemination of information regarding deafness to parents, professionals and consumers.

Atomic Hands

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Alicia Wooten and Dr. Barbara Spiecker, Atomic Hands addresses the unique challenges deaf STEMists face, such as English-centric learning and inaccessible, auditory-centered science resources.

With multiple ASL resources available, including STEM videos, storybooks, dictionaries, and a Deaf STEMist Network, Atomic Hands aims to foster wonder and curiosity in STEM fields through ASL-centric resources. In addition to online resources and social media education, Atomic Hands offers custom and personalized services that include, but are not limited to, translation, training, consultation, workshops, and resource development.

Symbolized by its name, Atomic Hands integrates the fundamental principles of STEM with the expressive power of sign language, aiming to bridge these two worlds and promote an inclusive, dynamic exchange of STEM ideas. Learn more at atomichands.com.

Deaf Community of Riverside

To encourage a great collaboration between Deaf Community of Riverside, the City of Riverside- Commission of the Deaf and other Deaf organizations around the city in Riverside and its neighbors.

Aspen Camp for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Aspen Camp is 15 acre riparian forest nestled along the Snowmass Creek situated 7 582 above elevation in the Roaring Fork Valley Colorado With six programming facilities Aspen Camp is the only year-round camp serving the hearing loss population and the sign language community. Although Aspen Camp was met with a series of unfortunate events leading it to close its doors temporarily It has since then overhauled the entire leadership team and completely revitalized itself Today with the unwavering commitment from its board members our neighbors the Roaring Fork Valley and the deaf and hard of hearing community, Aspen Camp is proud to welcome everyone back and offer our renown outdoor experiential and educational programs.