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Deaf Awareness

Deaf Awareness

Deaf people are a highly diverse population with a wide range of communication preferences, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and additional disabilities that shape their interactions with their environment. It is important to recognize that for many deaf individuals, “identity” is fluid and can change over time. Some experiences are shared by all members of this diverse community but there is also value in honoring differences such as communication preferences. This section is dedicated to understanding more about the diversity within the deaf community and working with individuals to create accessible environments.

Defining Deaf

What do we mean when we say “deaf”?

The National Deaf Center is using the term deaf in an all-inclusive manner, to include people who may identify as deaf, deafblind, deafdisabled, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and hearing impaired. NDC recognizes that for many individuals, identity is fluid and can change over time or with setting. NDC has chosen to use one term, deaf, with the goal of recognizing experiences that are shared by all members of our diverse communities while also honoring all of our differences.

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National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes
The University of Texas at Austin
College of Education, SZB 5.110
1912 Speedway, Stop D4900 Austin, TX 78712

Phone/VP (512) 436-0144

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© 2021 The University of Texas at Austin/The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk

This website was developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, OSEP #H326D210002. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. Project Officer: Dr. Louise Tripoli

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