Which States are the most Deaf Friendly?
Posted on: April 9, 2009No Comments
Some Deaf people live in certain cities or towns in states where their family and friends live in, around neighborhoods where they grew up. Or, they stay behind in a community where they attended school, and the significant others moved out-of-state for economical reasons, or due to attraction to a more “Deaf friendly” region for better accessibility to Deaf services and other services beneficial to Deaf residents, students, and newcomers.
To define the true essence of being “Deaf friendly,” it has several interpretations and criterias such as:
Are there resources for Deaf people (as there is in nearly every state and major cities), are the Police offering American Sign Language classes to officers and training them to work closely with the Deaf community or on how to deal with Deaf people in confrontations, is the economy strong in the state or deeply in debt, resulting in services to the Deaf being cut, or being added, is education free for state residents or do we have to go through other means directly for support (such as Vocational Rehabilitation services) in attending a college or university (if it is free, one has to live in the state up to a year to qualify), are there Deaf clubs and organizations, are there sporting events and teams for deaf fans and athletes to participate in? Those are some of the questions we need to ask in meeting the criteria for this question of the week.
State funding of programs is an important element in becoming “Deaf friendly” because services are offered, making available to clients that use American Sign Language and those that rely on other assistive devices in order to function.
Some might say Washington D.C., because it is a “Deaf mecca.” That serves as a strong point, but what about other states other than the highly deaf-populated regions? Are cuts affecting the Deaf communities? Which community is holding its’ own due to stronger economy or surplus of services existing at the residential state?
According to Gallaudet University’s FAQ on Deaf population in the United States, there are 20,295,000 people who have hearing losses ranging from mild to severe. If a state is does not have a Deaf-Friendly environment, then at least 10% of the population is being ignored, as an estimate only.
The deaf community will flock to Deaf-friendly organizations in states with their continued patronage as long services are being offered, products available, and if accessibility isn’t an issue.
Moving to a new town can be a challenging experience for anyone. Challenges are greater for those who seek businesses, educational institutions, restaurants, and other “Deaf friendly” social networks that are accessible to them.
Which state is or isn’t, and why or why not? Carry on a debate in the comments, and please keep it clean!
April 9th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
TEXAS!!!!! We have only deaf community college (SWCID) in world in our state. TSD is one of the best deaf school. We have several deaf activity all over state.. in several cities. Many more reasons to list.
April 9th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
California, no question about that.
April 9th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
From my experience with my traveling across the country. I met more friendly people from California. Second would be Washington, D.C because of Gallaudet University.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
New Mexico and Southern California !!!!!!!!!!
April 10th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Several years ago, I met someone and they mentioned that first is Texas but can’t remember second is….but third is New York (Rochester and NYC). I asked them what about DC and they answered residents may go DC for some reason but they are from VA or MD as not whole state. *interesting*
April 11th, 2009 at 3:28 am
Deaf friendly includes zero tolerance towards deaf individuals, businesses and organizations engaging in “Deaf on deaf” tactics as is so commonplace. Now, I wonder how the Washington Metropolitan or the Capital Region especially including Frederick county situating the state-run Maryland School for the Deaf ranks compared to others given this very important consideration.
Lack of accountability and favoritism within perceived Deaf friendly cities is anything but deadly to anyone’s sense of peace and conscience. Don’t accuse me of being biased. My immediate and extended family spans four generations in the Washington Metropolitan area and Capital region and since entering adulthood I’ve lived in other places as well and realize the different dynamics. Overall, the Deaf community has enough of severe problems to point some people think this one question is counterproductive but in the same breath any question validates discussion, sort of.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
This all depends on what priority you are looking for. For example, deaf school? Deaf doctor/dentist? Church with deaf priest or interpreters available? Any job opportunities for the deaf? Deaf clubs? Silent dinners at malls? Deaf gatherings at any coffee shops like Starbucks? Deaf cops and firemen? Any senior citizen center for the deaf? Many more you can think of. I don’t think one city in USA would have all of what I was asking about. You decide.
April 16th, 2009 at 10:39 am
DC is one of the best states for deaf. I heard a lot about California. I hope to go out and see for myself!
April 20th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
MARYLAND!
April 20th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
For my whole life, I grew up from Illinois to NJ then to DC then GA then Md,, My social experience in these states.. Georgia is TOP friendliest deaf state. Second Illinois and third is NJ.
In DC and MD have a highly reality world but due to only the numbered counts for all students staffs and pros in area that actually lives farther than DC and MD. It hard to tell!
April 21st, 2009 at 10:12 am
I think that Indiana, especially indianapolis is pretty deaf friendly. There are churches and a school and many clubs.
However, Nevada i dont think is very “deaf friendly”.. maybe someone can prove me wrong?
April 21st, 2009 at 12:59 pm
I am native Texan, But I have been all over USA- From What I have seen, Yup California’s the one! Even you sign anywhere in public area. They are so eager to meet you. You better believe it or not!
April 21st, 2009 at 5:21 pm
sweet & respectful CHICAGO !
April 27th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Austin, TX is the most deaf FRIENDLY town than anywhere.. I used to live in California, Utah and Arizona but Austin is where I live and it fits me and I love it here!!
California? interesting, somewhere in ca can be deaf friendly, though.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:56 am
TEXAS !!! Texas government provided free tuition fees to all deaf people.
May 1st, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Appleton, WI is the most deaf friendly and positive enviroment in deaf community. We have a deaf club, Fox River Valley Association of the Deaf (FRVAD) over 75 years and Deafvibes DJ Music with sign language, and loud music is awesome and vibration. Fishing, boating, and camping in many beautiful lakes and beautiful views. There are many deaf friendly people in Wisconsin.
May 8th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Wyoming, no question about that!!!
May 9th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Texas is the most friendly state. Austin is the most friendly city because Austin has the most deaf population, has the best deaf community and service. Austin has over 70,000 deaf people! I had been other states. Wiscousin is the most unfriendly state.
May 17th, 2009 at 2:51 am
Last census had Austin at around 750,000 people. Jim, that would mean 1 in 10 persons are deaf in Austin. That would be awesome. Sadly it can’t be true though.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Minnesota has a lot to offer for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing consumers
for any needs. We help one another and serve others by organizations,
churches, medical, professional help, and etc. We also welcome
newcomers and make them feel welcome. Minnesota is a great state
with broaden activities as outdoors/indoors and bring people together
and socialize with live, laugh and love. Explore Minnesota!
June 19th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Here’s Anchorage, Alaska very cool!, some deaf men who are a comedy, funny! Deaf people like to chatting, make a friends, but recently a new deaf people who moved a new home in Anchorage, Alaska because They like a place very quiet home, like to viewing a wild animals sometimes, already hired to working a job quickly!, very good payment per hrs. We all usually live in Alaska for a long time, enjoying very colder, go and play a ski doo or ski , other things fun! and summer, go to fishing and camping lots fun! Maybe sometimes, hunting for a moose. You are welcome for visiting or moving to Anchorage, Alaska, up to you!
July 26th, 2009 at 9:43 am
I thought statistic update is that there are now 36 million people with hearing loss; and many of us do not use sign language – yet we are with you in search for all sorts of other resources! captioning, understanding, equal access for all.
August 13th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
IOWA! just kidding.. its really small..
August 18th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
My family moved in Tucson, Arizona in June 1988 after I was graduated from Arizona School for the Deaf and for the Blind (ASDB) in 1984 and then moved in Alaska for 2 some years and in Seattle, WA for 2-3/4 years for myself because of my father was U.S. Army until July 1988 he became retired (we moved often every 4 years; I was so patient that I need Deaf friends).
I have old and new Deaf friends in Tucson and some of Phoenix, AZ.
Job access is difficult in Tucson. Pah! I was hired Fry’s food & drug store that I am been working there for 2 years but I am attempting to transfer its cashier but my boss will not let me to do because of conversation has barrier. He said me is impossible with customers. Obviously, he discriminated me am Deaf. In the fact, Albertson has two Deaf person are cashier and Costco has one Deaf is cashier, too. But Fry’s is NO! There is not fair with accommodation that it is violation Title I and Title II under Law of ADA is very serious. Deaf Can Do! I can communicate my customers how is handling: gesture, basic sign language, ASL, lip-reader, and write-notetaker these can do accessible. My job is not fair for the Deaf friendly in Tucson is very discriminating against our Deaf Community whom need a job advance. I told him about VRI (Video Remote Interpreter) and VRS (Video Relay Service) but he won’t accept. He is very stubborn. I am not happy about that. I need help me to fight him for the Deaf Right Activity with ADA Law is proof to sue him. Thank you for helping me fight for.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Washington State – environment and deaf social are best!
September 10th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
New York, has one of the biggest deaf communites well atleast Rochester. Rochester has RIT which supports the deaf community greatly.