Accessibility and Equity

Dear Friends of JDRC,
The holiday season is here. We, at JDRC, want to wish you both a happy Thanksgiving and soon, a happy Hanukkah, as well! 
As we approach the holidays, it is a time for making memories. All too often Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals struggle to feel connected due to communication barriers which lead to feelings of isolation. As you come together to celebrate the upcoming holidays, we ask you to take a moment, or two to consider the communication needs of Deaf/Hard of Hearing parents, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will be joining your holiday celebrations. 
Here are some discussion points you may want to consider when beginning a conversation with your Deaf and Hard of Hearing family or friends about being inclusive: 

1. For larger gatherings, especially those with speeches, consider hiring an ASL interpreter if it would be helpful to Deaf and Hard of Hearing guests. 
2. For smaller gatherings consider using speech to text apps, such as Ava, Live Transcribe, My Ear, and Otter.ai, to aid in communication.  
3. Consider turning background music off or setting it very low to reduce distraction and aid in communication.
4. Keep the area well lit to make signing and lip reading easier to follow.
5. When planning decorations, think of ways to keep a clear line of sight for all. Avoid placing tall flower arrangements and centerpieces in the middle of the table. 
6. When speaking with Deaf loved ones who lip read, remember to speak normally without over enunciating. Gestures can also be helpful. 
7. Instead of a set seating arrangement, offer Deaf or Hard of Hearing guests the opportunity to select seats that work best for them.
8. Consider games or activities that don’t require too much communication to bring the family together.

Equity of communication and accessibility are core values at JDRC. In our work to increase communication access, the JDRC is proud of its partnerships with the Academy for Jewish Religion and the Union for Reform Judaism, which have offered courses to over 79 ASL interpreting and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students studying Judaism in ASL. This Thanksgiving and Chanukah, consider donating generously to support this effort at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/JDRC. 

On behalf of the JDRC Board of Directors and staff, we wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, complete with communication access and fond memories.
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​With much appreciation and gratitude,
Susan F. Cohen, President
Steve Weiner, Vice President
Steve Lovi, Secretary
Lorraine Gold Appel, Director
Rabbi Rebecca L. Dubowe, Director
​Marcie Stern, Director

Naomi Brunnlehrman, part-time Executive Director and co-founder