Welcome to the Deaf Policy Network!

Please note: We will be adding an ASL video translation of this post within the next few days.

Introduction: What is the Deaf Policy Network?

We’ve decided to start the Deaf Policy Network to create a space for collaboration, address barriers and challenges, and create a hub for policy, networking, and research. This deaf-led and deaf-run organization will translate research and science into action on the Hill and in state houses across the country. This project will work to support and improve the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people both nationally and internationally..

Think Tank

Our first priority is to create a think tank that serves the deaf community. A think tank is an organization that supports research and develops policy proposals based on that research. This provides the bridge between research and policymakers!

The think tank will also fund and collaborate with researchers and research institutions, like universities. The think tank will be tasked with addressing barriers and challenges that people in the deaf community experience through policy solutions. Improving the lives of deaf people and breaking down barriers is critical in advancing the position of deaf people.

This think tank will ultimately become a resource for the deaf community, lawmakers, and community organizations. For example, we will create a support system for deaf people who are interested in running for office, and for those who have run for office before. This support system will include training, education, resources, and mentorship.

Community Organizing & Leadership

Our second priority will be enabling collaboration, ending the silo effect in the deaf community. Our goal is to bring together all the different wonderful organizations that serve the deaf community, with clear objectives in mind. This will result in creating connections, access, and opportunities for everyone!

Organizing means that we will be bringing together the many organizations and the many diverse people within the deaf community to collaborate in improving deaf lives.

One other aspect we will address is leadership. We will invest in, grow, and support leaders within the deaf community, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, like BIPOC. We will be working to provide grants, scholarships, programs and leadership development initiatives, specifically designed to support the BIPOC communities. Our goal is to provide hefty grants to community based organizations, as they are the ones doing the critical work on the ground, such as the National Black Deaf Advocates.

The other key aspect of the community organizing and leadership development program will be in responding to crises or situations that need the attention of the deaf community. This means rapid response campaigns, alerts, and other advocacy efforts, including training and educating deaf people on how to get involved in politics!

Getting Started

How will we get started? We’re starting off with a series of blog posts, sharing stories, articles, policy implications, and much more! We hope that you will stay tuned, and that you’ll join us on this exciting start to our journey as a Network.

To get involved, send us an email at deafpolicynetwork@gmail.com. We are always on the hunt for writers, researchers, volunteers, and deaf people who want to run for office and get involved in their communities!

Join us in breaking down barriers, improving policy to better deaf lives, and creating the next generation of deaf leaders!

Onwards,

Sean A. Maiwald, MPP

Jules Good, MPP