National Organizations
National Organizations Supporting Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell)
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing advocates for the listening and spoken language approach. Families who choose this communication method can receive support from local chapters and the parent hotline. Resources are also available for professionals in the field of listening and spoken language.
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
As one of the largest professional organizations for audiologists, members have access to professional development, education, and research. Audiologists can receive support for providing quality hearing care services.
American Association of the Deaf-Blind
AADB is a national consumer organization of, by, and for deaf-blind Americans and their supporters. “Deaf-blind” includes all types and degrees of dual vision and hearing loss. Our membership consists of deaf-blind people from diverse backgrounds, as well as family members, professionals, interpreters, and other interested supporters.
American Cochlear Implant Alliance
The American Cochlear Implant Alliance sponsors research and increases awareness for cochlear implant users. Posted are various articles and guidelines on cochlear implant usage in children or adults.
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC)
ASDC is a national organization of families and professionals helping families find meaningful connections through the use of visual language, American Sign Language. ASL weekends, online classes, or resources offer families a chance to connect to each other and to their deaf child.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is a member association for professionals in the field of communication disorders or science. ASHA offers professional and scientific resources, as well as a membership program. Non-professionals can find some resources on audiology and speech-language on their public page.
BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing is a non-profit that helps parents and families understand hearing loss as well as the diverse needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our impartial support helps families make informed decisions and empowers them to advocate for their child’s needs. We support deaf parents who have children who are hearing and collaborate with the professionals who serve all of our children.
Boys Town National Research Hospital
Since its founding in 1977, Boys Town Hospital has been internationally recognized as a leader in clinical and research programs focusing on childhood deafness, language development and related communication disorders. We have developed national medical programs that are now instituted in hospitals and clinics across the country. Today, the hospital is leading the charge in neurobehavioral research in children to improve interventions and treatments for children with severe behavioral and mental health problems.
Central Institute for the Deaf (CID)
Since 1914, CID – Central Institute for the Deaf has been committed to serving children with hearing loss who are learning to listen and talk. In order to support children beyond our walls, CID established the Emerson Center for Professional Development to specifically address the needs of teachers, speech-language pathologists, audiologists and early intervention providers worldwide. We invite you to explore our best-in-class deaf education tools, training and materials. You’ll find everything you need to expand your knowledge and guide your students to reach their ultimate potential. Our mission is to help you learn more, teach effectively and lead your colleagues and students.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) is a central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities
All the materials found on the CPIR Hub have been created and archived for Parent Centers around the country to help them provide support and services to the families they serve. The CPIR employs a user-centered process, gathering the perspectives of our experienced audience—Parent Center staff members and other experts—every step of the way, to create products and services that increase Parent Centers’ knowledge and capacity in specific domains.
The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center advocates for high-quality education for deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to age 21 throughout the United States. Information, training, and technical assistance is available for parents and professionals.
Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD)
CEASD is an association of schools and educational programs advocating for the education of deaf and hard of hearing individuals on a local, state and federal level. Advocacy kits are available to support parents and schools on communication plans, relationships, and policies. CEASD also offers school accreditations to schools that exhibit high-quality services and education for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf (CAID)
The Convention of American Instructors of the Deaf(CAID) is an organization for teachers or educators working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Professional resources and networking opportunities are fostered to equip its members with resources and strategies for student learning.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance (DHHA) is a coalition of organizations that focuses on public policy and other issues related to improving the quality of life for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and all people with hearing loss. DHHA’s major objective is to provide a forum whereby relevant information can be shared, plans made and actions taken for collaborative and mutually supportive efforts. DHHA members are not-for- profit national consumer and professional entities of or for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, which represent same, or which deal with deafness, hearing loss, and related issues.
DeafTEC: Technological Education Center for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students is a resource for high school or college programs that employ or educate deaf and hard of hearing individuals. It is their aim to establish partnerships with programs to increase education and access to the STEM field for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Students can learn more about careers or professionals working in the STEM field.
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC has been conducting research on deaf and hard of hearing children since the early 1980’s. They use the information to support health departments, service providers and early intervention programs in service planning, advocacy and intervention. The Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Program provides information on detecting hearing loss at an early age and resources to support parents in navigating options. The Hearing Loss various resources that support parents, professionals and state programs.
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
Funded by the Department of Education, DCMP streams different kinds of educational media such as tv shows, movies, interactive lesson plans, or other resources. This free service is customized for K-12 students with varying disabilities. Professionals and families can utilize their media in instruction.
Educational Audiology Association
The Educational Audiology Association is an international organization of audiologists and related professionals who deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings. The purpose or purposes of the Educational Audiology Association is to connect and support an international organization of audiologists and related professionals who deliver a full spectrum of hearing services to all children, particularly those in educational settings. The mission of the Educational Audiology Association is to act as the primary resource and as an active advocate for its members through its publications and products, continuing educational activities, networking opportunities and other professional endeavors.
Hands & Voices is a non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of deaf or hard of hearing children. Information about communication methodologies are provided to families in an effort to support them in making the best choices for their children. Local chapters are available throughout the nation.
Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) is the largest private funder of hearing research. Research focuses on the prevention and treatment of different types of hearing disorders through projects and education.
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
HLAA provides assistance and resources for people with hearing loss to navigate life successfully. Programs and events are available to support deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults
The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) provides services, programs and resources for deaf-blind youth and adults across the nations. Its national vocational rehabilitation center provides opportunities and strategies for deaf-blind individuals seeking educational and professional training.
A non-profit organization founded by a mother of a deaf child to provide free online sign language classes and resources to families who choose sign language as a communication and language option.
National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
NAD is a consumer organization safeguarding the accessibility and civil rights of deaf and hard of hearing Americans. They advocate in areas of education, employment, health care, and telecommunications. Their advocacy includes a grassroots and a legislative approach in which they provide policy counsel and legal assistance. They have an extensive youth program serving deaf and hard of hearing students from middle school to college.
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDE)
NASDSE is a premier organization that supports state leaders of special education. Our mission and vision are to improve individual and organizational success for state leaders of special education by providing relevant services that guide positive systemic change and results, thereby ensuring students with disabilities will live, learn, work, and participate in their communities.
National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA)
NBDA is the oldest and largest consumer organization of deaf and hard of hearing black people in the United States. They work to improve civil rights and equal access.
National Center on Deaf-Blindness
The National Center on Deaf-Blindness (NCDB) is a national technical assistance center funded by the Department of Education. Their resources and priorities are directed towards improving educational results and quality of life for children who are deaf-blind and their families.
National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM)
NCHAM leads the effort in newborn hearing screening and early intervention. The center serves as the National Resource Center for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) systems.
National Cued Speech Association (NCSA)
NCSA advocates for cued speech. Families and professionals can find resources to support the learning and awareness of cued speech.
NDC is a technical assistance and dissemination center funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). NDC uses research-based strategies and resources to educate stakeholders who are deaf and hard of hearing or work with deaf and hard of hearing individuals in postsecondary settings.
National Family Association for Deaf-Blind
The National Family Association for Deaf-Blind (NFADB) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based family association with a focus on supporting families who have deaf-blind family members. Informational webinars and family training are two of their activities.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
NIDCD is part of the network of the National Institutes of Health. NIDCD supports and conducts research and distributes information to improve the lives of millions of individuals with communication disorders. The NIDCD Information Clearinghouse provides information and resources on a broad scope.
National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities (NJC)
The purpose of the NJC is to advocate for individuals with significant communication support needs resulting from intellectual disability, that may coexist with autism, sensory and/or motor limitation. The NJC is made up of representatives from eight member organizations, and focuses on research, policy, practice, and education.
Observe, Understand & Respond: the O.U.R. Children's Safety Project
We don't like to think about it, but our kids who are deaf or hard of hearing are at a higher risk for both abuse and neglect. Like any children, they are at risk. As children who might not always be able to communicate easily and fluently, or understand the nuances of conversation with neighbors, caregivers, or strangers, they are at an even higher risk of being victims of someone, somewhere...
If we can stop that cycle with even one child, one family... our efforts are more than worthwhile.
Hands & Voices is working closely with researcher Harold Johnson, formerly at Michigan State University, to understand the scope of this problem, partner with supporting agencies (who often need to learn more about deafness), and teach ourselves how best to Observe, Understand, and Respond to our children. To keep them safe. To keep them free to grow up in the innocence of childhood.
Raising Deaf Kids is a web resource maintained by the Deafness and Family Communication Center (DFCC) at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The website provides information and resources on hearing loss in children at different stages of their growth. Other than hearing loss, the website offers guidance on some common topics such as self-esteem or homework. A Spanish site is also available.
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. (RID) is a national membership organization that advocates for quality interpretation and transliteration services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Its interpreter certification program establishes levels of interpreting proficiencies. Other resources include CEU opportunities or an interpreter directory.
SayWhatClub is an on-line group of late-deafened, hard of hearing and Deaf adults who provide support and encouragement to each other through e-mail and a Facebook group. The club promotes an on-line “community feeling.”
SEE Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children
The SEE Center provides quality training and support for those who use Signing Exact English (SEE). Services include a Facebook support group, online SEE courses and testing.
Signwise for Kids is a resource center that provides quality assurance of American Sign Language (ASL) resources. Reviews and consultations are provided for publishers or creators of ASL resources.
Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children
Founded in 1947 by John and Dela White, Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children is a private, non-profit school for children with hearing loss, as well as for children with typical hearing. A listening and spoken language school, we offer stimulating educational programs with an excellent clinical and teaching staff and state-of-the-art technology. Our professional staff includes certified audiologists, speech language pathologists and several LSLS Certified Auditory-Verbal Therapist/Educators.
Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss
Supporting Success for Children with Hearing Loss began in 2011 with the goal of creating an ‘umbrella website’ for teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing. Supporting Success was built on the concept of making practical information readily available, resulting in the current resource-packed website.
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI)
TDI is a national advocacy organization focused on addressing equal access issues in telecommunications, media, and information technology. The TDI Blue Book is a directory of businesses, divided into seven categories. These businesses serve deaf and hard of hearing people.
Visual Language and Visual Learning
Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2) is Gallaudet University's Science of Learning Center. Its programs and research explore how learning is processed visually in deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Research is used to develop best practices in education. Educators and parents can utilize some of their research briefs, tools and programs. The Storybook app is a sign language resource made available for the public, especially children.