At Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), we’ve always been driven by the belief that every individual deserves equal access to essential services, including healthcare. We are proud to introduce our newest division, DeafHealth, a patient advocacy group dedicated to tackling the inaccessibility of healthcare for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
Healthcare plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives, guiding us toward healthier and happier futures. However, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community often faces insurmountable barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare. Deaf ASL users are 97% more likely to use the Emergency Room. Over 1/3 of physicians surveyed said they know little or nothing about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Miscommunication, lack of proper resources, and a dearth of accessible information have hindered our ability to make informed decisions about our health.
DeafHealth is committed to breaking down these barriers and building a more inclusive healthcare system. Their mission is simple but profound: to provide accessible healthcare for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
DeafHealth is working to bridge the information gap by providing accessible healthcare information in ASL. Their resources cover a wide range of health topics to help Deaf people make informed decisions. The team are experts in public health, accessibility, legal compliance, and marketing. They offer individualized consultations and targeted focus groups to empower deaf communities and then provide healthcare providers and institutions with what they need to improve accessibility and compliance for deaf patients. They also are collaborators, centering the community and working closely with community advocates to develop customized advocacy materials.
“DeafHealth is loud and clear,” says Jessica Kennedy, a deaf licensed attorney and President of DeafHealth. Meet the rest of DeafHealth’s team here.
Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. DeafHealth is here to empower, inform, and advocate. It’s more than a division; it’s a movement. We believe in a world where healthcare is accessible to all. Don’t miss out on updates, resources, and events from DeafHealth by subscribing to their social media channels and email list.
Subscribe to their email list here.