All Hands VRS, Inc.’s Post

As a hearing parent of a deaf child, this truly resonated with me. It made me realise that, in today's climate, my child often bears the burden of advocating for and ensuring their own accessibility. This will not change unless we create Deaf-friendly communities. There's so much potential for improvement if we listen to and involve Deaf-led organisation’s, members of the Deaf community, and parents of deaf children in the conversation. We know everyone is on the same page and wants an inclusive community, but please bring the right people to the conversation to make this happen. This snippet was taken from the SBS episode called *The Deaf Divide*, featuring the wonderful Todd Wright providing his insight. The way forward is true inclusion for all, starting with inclusive planning and discussions about our future. Without this, we risk perpetuating the cycle of advocating against misguided notions of what inclusion truly means. It's crucial for state and federal governments to recognise the importance of involving people with lived experiences to build the communities we all desire. This includes funding Deaf-led and parent-led organisations to drive meaningful, impactful change for our community.

✨ Throwback Thursday: Honoring Laurent Clerc ✨ Did you know that Laurent Clerc, known as the “Apostle of the Deaf in America,” helped bring American Sign Language (ASL) to the United States? 🙌 Together with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, Clerc co-founded the first American school for the deaf in 1817, forever changing the landscape of communication and accessibility for the Deaf community. Fun fact: Laurent Clerc lost his hearing as a child but went on to inspire generations by advocating for education and equality for the Deaf. His legacy continues to shape ASL and its vital role in fostering quality communication. 🌟 We’d love to hear from you! How has ASL impacted your life or a loved one’s? Share your story in the comments—let’s celebrate the language and culture that connects us all. 💙 At MT&A, we honor this legacy every day by providing exceptional services that prioritize accessibility and quality communication for the Deaf community. #ThrowbackThursday #LaurentClerc #ASLHistory #DeafCommunity #SignLanguageInterpreters #SLICommunity #AccessibilityMatters #DeafCulture #Inclusion #InterpreterLife

✨ Throwback Thursday: Honoring Laurent Clerc ✨ Did you know that Laurent Clerc, known as the “Apostle of the Deaf in America,” helped bring American Sign Language (ASL) to the United States? 🙌 Together with Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, Clerc co-founded the first American school for the deaf in 1817, forever changing the landscape of communication and accessibility for the Deaf community. Fun fact: Laurent Clerc lost his hearing as a child but went on to inspire generations by advocating for education and equality for the Deaf. His legacy continues to shape ASL and its vital role in fostering quality communication. 🌟 We’d love to hear from you! How has ASL impacted your life or a loved one’s? Share your story in the comments—let’s celebrate the language and culture that connects us all. 💙 At MT&A, we honor this legacy every day by providing exceptional services that prioritize accessibility and quality communication for the Deaf community. #ThrowbackThursday #LaurentClerc #ASLHistory #DeafCommunity #SignLanguageInterpreters #SLICommunity #AccessibilityMatters #DeafCulture #Inclusion #InterpreterLife

Deaf History Month... Black Deaf History Month... Have you supported a BlackDeaf-led organization this month? Everyone should know by now that Deafness is a spectrum. However, BlackDeaf (and Latinx cultures) experiences are much different from the average White Deaf, that most are aware of. Yes, the intersectionality (of racism) is loud daily. Our students are consistently falling through the cracks due to a lack of access to culturally responsive interpreters, limited ASL exposure at home & schools, and limited community support/mentors. STEPS by Kei-Che accepted the challenge in the Bay Area to address these concerns daily. We are advocating that our students be SEEN, prioritized, and have access to much-needed (culturally responsive) services. When you support our organization by purchasing merchandise, we reinvest those funds back into the BlackDeaf community. For example, We volunteer for monthly Black/Brown Deaf community events, we gift shirts to the youth & BlackDeaf adults at every vendor opportunity, and we provide employment opportunities for BlackDeaf creatives/artists. Our growth will not be limited and we would love for you to join our movement. To purchase our infamous shirts, the link is in the bio/comments! Don't walk...RUN! We are shifting the culture; bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities. #BlackDeafStudentsMatter Much love, Kei-Che

✋🌍 September is Deaf Awareness Month—an important time to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in our communities and workplaces. Since its inception in 1958 as a week-long initiative, Deaf Awareness Month has evolved into a global movement celebrating Deaf culture, sign language, and the ongoing fight for equal rights. This month is about more than awareness—it’s a call to action for all of us to take meaningful steps toward creating a more inclusive world. 💡 How can we contribute? Engage in conversations about accessibility, support Deaf creators and businesses, learn basic sign language, or get involved in local events. Every action brings us closer to breaking down barriers and building environments where everyone can thrive. 👉 Want to explore the origins and impact of Deaf Awareness Month? Read this article for insights and discover how you can make a difference: bit.ly/3Bce0lq. Let’s use this month as a springboard for lasting change in our communities and workplaces. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. #DeafAwarenessMonth #DeafAwareness #DeafCulture #Deaf #HardOfHearing #Accessibility #AccessibilityMatters #Inclusion #InclusionMatters #SignLanguage #CelebrateDiversity

Are any people today considered not wholly human? We read in US history class of the Supreme Court in the 1800s telling a black American that he didn’t have a right to seek legal justice in court due to not being more than 3/4 of a person, not a real whole human. I think regardless if you believe in evolution theory or some other older theory of where humans come from, if you are an American you likely think all races of people are totally 100% whole people. However, some people do not think of the Deaf, or people with disabilities, born that way or acquired later in life, are fit, able to lead over them, or even have a right to life. I refuse to use the term “Karma” for the reason that belief actually comes from the Hindu idea of reincarnation, where a person who is born poor or with a disability must have been extremely horrible in a past life and this is their just punishment. Believe what you will, but this is untrue. With my personal belief that all people are created equal, and have not just the right to life, but also basic human rights to equal and fair treatment, bodily autonomy where nobody else has a right to invade their body to change them, and for those born in America to have all the rights of an American citizen, I must inform you that Deaf Americans, and even their fully hearing offspring, are not treated as whole humans today under the law. Without the finances to seek quality legal help in pursuit of justice, the Deaf citizen cannot go to court to change laws to become equitable and just. If you too believe that all people are whole humans, and that Deaf Americans deserve the rights that hearing Americans already have, please join me in a discussion of how to change things so that all America can thrive! We are only a free nation once all of us are free at last. #DeafCivilRightsNOW #ASLisawholelanguage #StopRemovingDeafGenes

🎙️ Ever Wondered How Deaf Individuals Live Life to the Fullest? I’ll never forget the day my daughter temporarily lost her hearing due to a severe cold. It shook me. I was overwhelmed with questions: How do people who are deaf navigate life, contribute, impact the world, and enjoy every moment? That experience opened my eyes to a reality I hadn’t considered deeply before. It also led me to an incredible conversation with Brenden Gilbert, a brilliant individual who is deaf. Brenden didn’t just answer my questions—he completely reframed how I view challenges and triumphs. He shared his insights on breaking barriers, building success, and creating meaningful connections in a world that often overlooks the Deaf community. His journey reminded me that inclusion isn’t just about accessibility. It’s about valuing and amplifying diverse experiences. Brenden’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a call to action. Let’s challenge our perspectives, elevate understanding, and create spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. Curious to learn from change maker wisdom? Join the next LT Diverse Perspectives episode this Friday, and let’s explore what it means to truly embrace inclusion. ===== ✨ Expand Your Perspective Discover more stories like Brenden’s on the LT Diverse Perspective Hub—a space for inclusive leaders and influencers with and without disabilities to share their expertise and inspire action. Create a free account today at https://lnkd.in/e2TJVUxy and be part of a movement for change. #LinoratechInclusion #DeafCommunity #Inclusion #Accessibility

#DeafBlindLeadershipNow A letter from a Deaf sighted ally, Karen Christie, SU Board President 27 July 2024 To the Helen Keller National Center/Helen Keller Services, This letter serves to express the support of *Surdists United for the recent DeafBlind Leadership NOW petition. Because our community of Deaf and DeafBlind creatives is committed to social justice and social equity, we cannot disregard the fact that HKNC is disempowering DeafBlind individuals by consistently selecting hearing and sighted individuals as leaders. The DeafBlind Leadership NOW petition, created and signed by numerous DeafBlind advocates, calls on HKNC/HKS to respond to demands that ensure representation in positions where DeafBlind individuals can truly shape the future of the organization. You have an historic opportunity! They can help you recreate HKNC as a thriving organization of, for, and by —Today, really, there is no excuse. The DeafBlind advocates of today are a diverse group of multitalented individuals who can touch the future. Take the first step into the future by meeting their demands. With sincere hopes, Karen Christie, SU Board President *Surdists United is a 501c3 entity and a collective movement of visual artists, filmmakers, poets, storytellers, writers and performers committed to making art about Deaf experiences and social justice through ARTivism. #DisabilityPrideMonth #ADA34 #ADA #DisabilityJustice #DisabilityInclusion #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #EnoughIsEnough #DeafBlind #DEI #EEOC #AntiAbleism

🌟 Celebrating the Diversity and Strengths of the Deaf Community 🌟 Let’s recognise the unique qualities and contributions of the Deaf community. Here are some important points to remember: 🔹 Diverse Experiences: Deafness encompasses a wide range of experiences and reasons. It's vital to acknowledge the varied backgrounds and perspectives within the Deaf community. 🔹 Unique Individuals: Deaf people are as diverse as anyone else, with distinct interests, talents, and personal stories. They are individuals with their own unique identities. 🔹 Equal Cognitive Abilities: There is no difference in cognitive abilities between Deaf and hearing individuals. Deaf people have the same potential for success and innovation. 🔹 Rich Sign Languages: Deaf communities often use indigenous sign languages that are complex, expressive, and integral to their culture. These languages are vital to their communication and identity. 🔹 Distinct Culture: The Deaf community has a rich and unique culture, with its own traditions, norms, and values. This cultural heritage adds depth to our collective human experience. Supporting and celebrating the Deaf community starts with understanding and appreciation. Let’s promote inclusion and respect for everyone’s unique contributions. 🤝✨ #DeafCulture #Inclusion #Diversity #SignLanguage #Community

People of Color who are deaf or can't speak and use American Sign Language face extra hurdles due to systemic racism and ableism. They encounter unique challenges in society, and it's important to raise awareness and promote inclusivity to support their needs and rights. Deaf POC often face barriers to accessing education and resources that are designed for hearing individuals. This can result in limited opportunities for employment, economic stability, and social integration. They also face intersectional challenges that stem from their identities as both POC and individuals with disabilities, making it even harder for them to navigate and thrive in society. They are often overlooked in the media, business, and other areas of representation. This causes a mass of stereotypes and misconceptions about them, their experiences, and their abilities. Overall, the hardships faced by POC who are deaf or cannot speak and use ASL highlight the need for greater awareness, understanding, and support. Society needs to recognize and address the challenges that they face and work towards creating more inclusive spaces and opportunities for them all. Slauson Ventures embraces and backs all POC and stands with the deaf community for equal opportunities. Our dedication to diversity fosters an inclusive setting where everyone is respected and offered equal opportunities, regardless of background or identity. #SlausonVentures #SV #SVCommunity #ASL #NationalASLDay