Deaf and Hard of Hearing Organizations

About.com readers share why they joined certain organizations of and for deaf and hard of hearing people, and the benefits they got from joining.

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf is one of the oldest organizations for deaf and hard of hearing people and their families.

The American Association of the Deaf-Blind has helped deaf-blind people for many years. Read a brief profile and an interview with the American Association of the Deaf-Blind.

A parents' organization in the United States for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children.

Profile of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which represents speech pathologists and audiologists.

Profile of the Association of Late Deafened Adults, a support organization for people who lose hearing when they are no longer youthful.

Feature article putting the spotlight on Children of Deaf Adults.

Even if organizational philosophies and membership constituencies differ, deaf and hard of hearing organizations do have common interests. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Alliance (DHHA) combines the forces of all these organizations into one lobbying voice. About.com interviewed Patrick Cooney, a hearing man who is a lobbyist for the DHHA.

A look at the deaf gay and lesbian community.

Deaf people who study or perform magic have their own international organization.

Feature article on the small native american deaf community on the internet.

Deaf Seniors of America is a growing organization, working to improve the living circumstances of deaf senior citizens.

Deaf women, and their organizations, books, and social services.

Profile of Deaf Youth of America, a newly established organization for young deaf teenagers.

Profile of Hands & Voices, a national organization for parents of deaf and hard of hearing children, professionals, and deaf and hard of hearing people themselves.

Feature article putting the spotlight on the Hearing Loss Association of America, formerly known as Self Help for Hard of Hearing People.

Feature article putting the focus on Kids of Deaf Adults.

Feature article putting the spotlight on the National Association of the Deaf.

Profile of a national organization for African American (black) deaf people.

Profile of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, an international organization representing interpreters.

Profile of the World Federation of the Deaf

Brief introduction to national organizations in the deaf community.