October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)—the perfect time to celebrate the incredible contributions people with disabilities make to the workforce. This year’s theme, “Access is Good Jobs for All,” really hits home. It’s all about making sure that everyone, including deaf people, has access to the jobs they deserve. For many deaf individuals, one of the most empowering paths is entrepreneurship. Why? Because it gives them the freedom to take control of their careers and create the kind of work environments they need to succeed.
Here’s the thing: too many deaf people face real barriers when it comes to employment. The stats tell the story—only 56% of deaf people are currently employed, compared to 73% of hearing people. That’s a huge gap! And it’s not because deaf people aren’t capable. It’s because they often deal with limited access to communication, fewer social connections, biases, and negative attitudes in the workplace. But when deaf people do land good jobs and thrive, the impact is amazing. Full-time deaf workers earn just as much as their hearing peers, and they’re more likely to vote, volunteer, and get involved in their communities. When deaf people succeed, everyone benefits!
One way many deaf people are finding their own success is through entrepreneurship. In fact, more deaf people (11%) are self-employed than hearing people (9%). For some, it’s not just about chasing a dream of being a business owner. Many deaf entrepreneurs are “pushed” into it because of frustration in previous jobs or because they were underemployed. By becoming their own boss, they create spaces where they can thrive without the barriers they faced in traditional workplaces.
This NDEAM, we want to share some success stories from deaf entrepreneurs who are making it happen. In the videos below, entrepreneurs like Mona Thalheimer, a fashion designer, Michael Epstein, a graphic designer, and Gayle Sanchez, a tattoo artist, talk about how starting their own businesses changed their lives. These stories show that when deaf people are given the opportunity to succeed, they absolutely will!
The theme “Access is Good Jobs for All” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a reminder that creating inclusive and accessible workplaces is a win for everyone. Whether it’s through a traditional job or entrepreneurship, we need to make sure deaf professionals have the opportunities they deserve. When we do, we’re not just helping individuals; we’re strengthening our communities and boosting our economy. Let’s keep the celebration going and continue to support deaf professionals—not just during NDEAM, but all year long!
