RESOURCES FOR DEAF/HARD OF HEARING INDIVIDUALS
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF (NAD)
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is an organization that represents and advocates for the interests of the Deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States. It works to promote and protect the rights, accessibility, and inclusion of Deaf individuals in various aspects of society, including education, employment, and legal matters.
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR DEAF CHILDREN (ASDC)
The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering deaf and hard of hearing children and their families in the United States. Its mission is to provide resources, information, and advocacy to promote the well-being, education, and overall development of deaf and hard of hearing children.
ASSOCIATION OF LATE-DEAFENED ADULTS (ALDA)
The Association of Late-Deafened Adults (ALDA) is an organization that focuses on the needs and concerns of individuals who have experienced late-onset deafness or significant hearing loss. ALDA offers support, resources, and a sense of community for late-deafened adults, helping them navigate the challenges and adjustments that come with hearing loss acquired later in life.
NATIONAL BLACK DEAF ADVOCATES (NBDA)
The National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) is an organization that is dedicated to advancing the interests and addressing the unique concerns of Black Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States. NBDA works to promote equality, accessibility, and inclusivity for Black Deaf individuals in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social issues. The organization advocates for social justice, awareness, and empowerment within the Black Deaf community.
NATIONAL DEAF EDUCATION CENTER
The National Deaf Education Center is an organization that focuses on improving the education and overall well-being of Deaf and hard of hearing students in the United States. It offers a wide range of resources, training, and expertise to educators, families, and schools to ensure that Deaf and hard of hearing students receive a quality education that supports their unique needs. The organization’s goal is to promote effective teaching strategies, access to appropriate educational services, and the development of essential skills for Deaf and hard of hearing children.
WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF (WFD)
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is a global organization that represents and advocates for the rights and interests of Deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide. WFD is dedicated to promoting equality, accessibility, and inclusion for the Deaf community on an international scale. The organization works to advance the recognition of sign languages, support Deaf culture, and ensure that Deaf individuals have access to education, employment, and other aspects of society. WFD also collaborates with national and regional Deaf organizations to create a unified voice for Deaf and hard of hearing people globally.
RESOURCES FOR DEAFBLIND INDIVIDUALS
THE NEW JERSEY CENTER ON DEAFBLINDNESS (NJCDB)
The New Jersey Center on Deafblindness (NJCDB) is a federally-funded statewide project serving the families and professionals of children ages birth to 21 who are deafblind, or who experience concomitant functional hearing and vision loss regardless of formal classification. Our Deafblind Specialists offer a wide range of services free of charge that include technical assistance (consultation and coaching), topical training, professional development, as well as family engagement activities and support. Contact them at njcdb@tcnj.edu
DEAFBLIND COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK OF NEW JERSEY (DB CAN NJ)
DB CAN NJ is a grassroots effort that aims to be truly responsive to the needs of the deafblind community. Our guiding principle and the heart of our work is “For DeafBlind, By DeafBlind.” In collaboration with the leadership of deafblind individuals, DB CAN NJ offers training, networking, and social and recreational events for anyone interested in the deafblind community. Through our work, deafblind people may become empowered to lead more independent and healthy lives, and the larger community may become more informed, comfortable, and connected to our community, and, therefore, better able to provide appropriate services and actions.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF BLIND
The American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) is an organization that is committed to advocating for and supporting individuals who are both deaf and blind. AADB aims to empower and improve the quality of life for deaf-blind individuals in the United States. The organization provides resources, services, and a sense of community to help deaf-blind individuals access information, education, employment, and various aspects of daily life. AADB also works to raise awareness about the unique needs and challenges faced by people with combined deafness and blindness.
HELEN KELLER NATIONAL CENTER FOR DEAF-BLIND YOUTH AND ADULTS
The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults (HKNC) is an institution dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals who are deaf-blind. HKNC provides a range of services, resources, and training to promote the independence, education, and overall well-being of deaf-blind individuals in the United States. The organization offers vocational and life skills training, assistive technology, and access to information, enabling deaf-blind individuals to lead fulfilling and productive lives. HKNC also collaborates with various agencies and professionals to ensure that deaf-blind individuals have the necessary support and opportunities to achieve their goals and live independently.
ICANCONNECT: THE NATIONAL DEAF-BLIND EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM
iCanConnect: The National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program is an initiative aimed at enhancing the communication and connectivity of individuals who are both deaf and blind. This program provides deaf-blind individuals in the United States with specialized equipment and services that enable them to access telecommunications and the internet. iCanConnect offers assistive technology and training to facilitate communication, improve access to information, and enhance the quality of life for those with combined deafness and blindness. The program’s goal is to bridge the communication gap and promote independence and inclusion for deaf-blind individuals.
NATIONAL CENTER ON DEAF-BLINDNESS
The National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) is a centralized resource center in the United States that is dedicated to improving educational services and support for children and youth who are deaf-blind. NCDB works to provide comprehensive information, training, and technical assistance to educators, families, and service providers, enabling them to better serve the unique needs of individuals with combined deafness and blindness. The organization’s focus is on promoting effective strategies for communication, learning, and development, with the ultimate goal of helping deaf-blind individuals achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. NCDB also collaborates with state and local agencies to enhance the educational experiences of deaf-blind students.
PERKINS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
Perkins School for the Blind, specializing in Deafblind services, is an educational institution and support center dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals who are both deaf and blind. Through a diverse range of offerings, including educational programs, vocational training, and assistive technology, Perkins empowers people with deafblindness. The school is renowned for its expertise in Deafblind education, focusing on communication, independence, and overall development. Through collaborative efforts with families, educators, and professionals, Perkins ensures that Deafblind individuals receive optimal support and opportunities, enabling them to reach their full potential and participate actively in society.Perkins School for the Blind is renowned for its expertise in Deafblind education and strives to enhance the communication, independence, and overall development of individuals with combined deafness and blindness. The institution also collaborates with families, educators, and professionals to ensure that Deafblind individuals receive the best possible support and access to opportunities, allowing them to reach their full potential and participate actively in society.
NATIONAL CONSORTIUM OF DEAF-BLINDNESS
The National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) is a collaborative network and resource center in the United States dedicated to improving services and support for individuals who are deaf-blind. NCDB provides guidance, technical assistance, and resources to professionals, families, and organizations involved in the education and care of people with combined deafness and blindness, with the aim of enhancing their educational and life experiences. By offering training, information, and best practices, NCDB ensures that individuals with deafblindness receive the specialized services and support they require, promotes collaboration among professionals, and advocates for policies benefiting the deaf-blind community, ultimately empowering deaf-blind individuals to lead more independent, fulfilling lives.
THE CEREBRAL PALSY GUIDE
Cerebral Palsy Guide, an organization dedicated to providing support for those affected by cerebral palsy, birth injuries, or other developmental disabilities. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children with cerebral palsy often have other co-existing conditions. 1 in 4 had epilepsy, 1 in 25 were deaf, and 1 in 2 had an intellectual disability. It’s imperative that parents educate themselves as much as possible to improve the quality of life of their children. To help support these families, Cerebral Palsy Guide was created, so that it can help those affected by Cerebral Palsy and other developmental disabilities. This page outlines several comorbidities that children with cerebral palsy might face.