ENGAGEMENT
D-E-A-F.org collaborates with Jamaica’s Deaf schools and community organizations. We resolve to provide educational supplies and resources to address educational barriers, language access, community needs and Deaf empowerment.
EMPOWER
Empowering the Deaf youth and communities is particularly important for promoting inclusion, equality, of individuals who are often marginalized due to communication barriers.
By empowering through language access, accessible teaching materials, and fostering self-worth, Deaf individuals feel valued and recognized for their unique cultural and linguistic identity.
Empowering Deaf people to become role models and demonstrate their talents helps reshape societal perceptions and highlight the capabilities of the Deaf community.
ENDEAVORS
D-E-A-F provides essential educational resources to multiple Deaf schools across the Island. In addition, we created an all Deaf Youth Camp to support the healthy development of self-esteem and
Deaf identity.
Most recently, with the help of our generous supporters, D-E-A-F brought Hurricane Beryl recovery aid to The Deaf Church in St. Elizabeth.
why jamaica?
Jamaica’s Deaf population … 7,500 plus … still lag far behind! Decades of oppression along with the denial of language accessibility has imposed significant educational barriers on learning. A high percentage of Deaf students graduate with extremely low reading levels and only 5% will find employment.
Jamaica’s Government does not recognize Jamaican Sign Language as an official language, nor are the teachers required to have adequate language skills or Deaf education training. Therefore, suppressing the level of independence Deaf individuals deserve.
The Deaf community is proud to have its own Jamaican Culture and are eager to work toward an inclusive community that provides language development, education access, employment and empowerment!
*FOR IN DEPTH INSIGHT VISIT : ig@deafempowermentAF and fb@deaf.org