ADVOCATING THE ADVANCEMENT OF DEAF LIVES

D-E-A-F is a grassroots, 501 (c)(3) organization working to increase language accessibility to Deaf individuals, schools and communities in un/underserved areas. Currently, volunteer advocacy is aligned with purpose and mindfulness with the Jamaican Deaf communities in addressing educational language barriers. By working together with Deaf community leaders, our aim is to help create better communication and a deeper understanding of the importance of bridging the gap between communication and education.

About us

D-E-A-F is a nonprofit, 100% volunteer driven organization that helps educational facilities and health care providers build better communication and a deeper understanding of the importance of accessibility for Deaf individuals. Through intensive research and advocacy, D-E-A-F looks to aid progress for Deaf people and their communities.

Respecting Core Values of Cultures

D-E-A-F works hard to respect the core values of Deaf individuals and to work within their countries’ culture. D-E-A-F seeks to provide a helpful, cooperative relationship within the communities they serve.

Mission

Our core values and goals are to focus on educating and advocating for Deaf communities in developing countries and help jump start the advancement of Deaf lives. To do this, we will need passionate volunteers that are active in the Deaf community such as Sign Language Interpreters, ASL teachers, Deaf professionals, Deaf educators, CODA’s and more.

Recognize the Social Responsibility to Pay it Forward

Here at D-E-A-F we acknowledge Deafness as a cultural identity and the importance of speaking up to educate communities on language accessibility. By getting involved, we provide resources such as skilled volunteers with professional and personal experiences. We rely on active volunteers to be passionate about the advancement of Deaf people’s lives and realize the impact they can make by getting involved.

Work Jointly with Deaf Community Leaders

D-E-A-F will maintain close contact with Deaf leaders across the island to learn about current issues that need to be addressed. This way, the organization will stay informed about areas of concern that need continued attention.

Take action

Offer Resources of Empowerment to Underserved Deaf Communities in Jamaica

D-E-A-F will offer a variety of resources and ideas to schools, work environments and other communities that are currently lacking in providing language accessibility.

Raising Awareness of Disability Acts and Rights

In 2014, the Jamaica Disability Act was successfully passed, making it a big accomplishment for the disabled community island-wide. However, the law is rarely enforced due to lack of knowledge and understanding of how the act works within the Deaf community. This is quite common in many developing countries where accessibility rights are often ignored and not exercised.

Awareness and Prevention of Deaf Child Abuse

Our volunteers will educate the communities on how to recognize signs that a Deaf child is being abused and ways to prevent the abuse. With this awareness, we hope to greatly reduce violence on Deaf children that often goes overlooked and ignored in communities.

Educating Medical Community on the Importance of Language Barrier Removal

Many Deaf patients go in and out of hospitals without any proper or clear communication from their health professionals. The language barrier between a health professional and a Deaf patient can provide dangerous results as Deaf patients may not understand the proper instructions for medicine dosage, are unable to tell doctors their allergies or symptoms, and find themselves in many other unforeseeable scenarios. D-E-A-F can offer assistance to medical clinics and facilities on the appropriate interpreting and/or communication services available when treating a Deaf patient.