For National Black Deaf Advocates, advocacy means ensuring that Black Deaf, Black DeafBlind, Black Hard of Hearing individuals, and Black interpreters are fully included, respected, protected, and represented in all areas of society. Because these communities often experience both racial and disability-related barriers, advocacy addresses issues connected to access, equity, culture, communication, and leadership.

What Advocacy Means for Black Deaf Communities

For Black Deaf Individuals

Advocacy means:

• Equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and public services
• Access to qualified interpreters and communication accommodations
• Representation in leadership and decision-making spaces
• Protection from discrimination based on race and disability
• Recognition of Black Deaf culture, language, and lived experiences
• Opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and professional growth

Self-advocacy may include requesting interpreters, captioning, accessible technology, or fair treatment in workplaces, schools, and government services.

For Black DeafBlind Individuals

Advocacy focuses on communication access, independence, and safety, including:

• Access to Support Service Providers (SSPs)
• Tactile interpreting and accessible communication methods
• Transportation accessibility
• Equal access to education and employment opportunities
• Independence in community living
• Inclusion in Deaf and disability leadership spaces

System advocacy may involve improving policies so DeafBlind individuals receive services that are culturally responsive and accessible.

For Black Hard of Hearing Individuals

Advocacy supports the right to communication access and equal participation through:

• CART captioning and assistive listening technology
• Workplace and classroom accommodations
• Healthcare communication access
• Respect for communication preferences
• Inclusion in Deaf and hard of hearing spaces without judgment

It also means challenging stereotypes that Black hard of hearing individuals may face within both hearing and Deaf communities.

For Black Interpreters

Advocacy means increasing visibility, equity, and opportunities for Black interpreters while supporting ethical and culturally competent interpreting services. This includes:

• Equal access to interpreter training and certification opportunities
• Fair hiring and leadership opportunities
• Recognition of the importance of cultural and linguistic understanding
• Increasing the number of Black interpreters serving Black Deaf communities
• Addressing racism and bias within the interpreting profession

Black interpreters often play an important role in bridging communication and cultural understanding between Deaf and hearing communities.

Why This Advocacy Matters

Advocacy helps ensure that Black Deaf, Black DeafBlind, Black Hard of Hearing individuals, and Black interpreters are not overlooked in policies, services, and leadership decisions. Organizations like National Black Deaf Advocates work to create spaces where these communities can:

• Lead
• Be heard
• Access opportunities
• Receive equitable services
• Preserve culture and identity
• Influence systems and laws that affect their daily lives

Learn more about NBDA at: National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA)