Deaf Awareness Month: Amplifying Community & Removing Barriers
Key Stats at a Glance
- Approximately 2% of U.S. adults are deaf or have serious difficulty hearing.
Source: National Deaf Center dashboard (ACS) - Bachelor’s degree attainment: 22.7% of deaf adults vs. 38.4% of hearing adults (2023).
Source: National Deaf Center dashboard (ACS) - Postsecondary enrollment: 5.0% of deaf individuals vs. 9.9% of hearing peers (2022).
Source: National Deaf Center analysis of 2022 ACS - Employment: 55.8% of deaf people employed (2022), up from 53.5% (2021).
Source: National Deaf Center analysis of ACS - DVSA impact: Deaf and hard-of-hearing people experience relationship/sexual violence at about 1.5× the rate of hearing peers.
Sources: DomesticShelters.org; community studies
Barriers Deaf Survivors Face
- Communication access gaps: Limited availability of qualified ASL interpreters, VRS, or text-based hotlines.
- Cultural competence: Many providers lack training to support Deaf survivors
- Systemic failures: Inconsistent interpreter access in emergency, medical, and legal systems.
- Isolation tactics: Abusers may restrict phones, Wi‑Fi, interpreters, or access to Deaf peers.
- Privacy concerns: Small-community dynamics make confidentiality and safety planning more complex.
How ThinkSelf Helps
- ASL-accessible advocacy: Confidential support via ASL, text, email, or VRS.
- Training for providers: Deaf cultural competence and trauma-informed practices for shelters, hospitals, and law enforcement.
- Peer support & empowerment: Deaf-led support groups and justice advocacy.
- Policy & systems change: Advocating for ADA/VAWA compliance and interpreter access across crisis systems.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with Deaf-led and allied DVSA orgs to expand access.
Why is Deaf Awareness Month in September?
Why September? Because it’s the time when the world comes together to celebrate the International Week of Deaf People and the International Day of Sign Languages (September 23). This month was chosen to honor the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf and to shine a spotlight on Deaf culture, history, and the vibrant diversity of signed languages across the globe.
But Deaf Awareness Month isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating today. It’s about recognizing the creativity, leadership, and resilience of the Deaf community, while also reminding everyone that inclusion isn’t optional—it’s essential.
So what can you do this month?
- Give Deaf content creators a follow on social media.
- Support Deaf-owned businesses and organizations.
- Attend a Deaf-led event—and bring a friend along for the fun.
- Challenge stereotypes whenever you see them.
Deaf Awareness Month is a great chance to learn, laugh, connect, and celebrate—because language, culture, and community are meant to be shared. Let’s make September not just a month of awareness, but a month of action and joy!
Resources & Learning
