September is Deaf Awareness Month!

Rebecca Bell on September 4, 2024

Every year, it is my goal to highlight Deaf Awareness month!

Deaf Awareness Month offers visibility and awareness of Deaf hardships in our society, communication needs, Deaf culture, and community. This month also gives a perspective on the positives of deafness as well as encourages social inclusion. This month is near and dear to my own heart because I am a CODA, child of Deaf adults. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are around 466 million people worldwide that are considered deaf or hard of hearing. 

What is the difference between Deaf and deaf?

Capital D- Deaf refers to a group of deaf people who share a language, culture, values, and traditions. These individuals identify themselves as part of the Deaf culture. Lowercase d- deaf refers to the absence of or diminished hearing. These individuals may or may not identify themselves as part of the Deaf culture. Hard of Hearing (HH) refers to those who have mild to moderate hearing loss.

My experience -

Growing up in a Deaf family, I learned American Sign Language (ASL) as my first language. I had a unique perspective into the Deaf culture as a hearing person in a Deaf family. I felt stuck between both worlds, hearing and Deaf, when I was younger. I saw firsthand the hardships my parents experienced, but I also got to experience life to the fullest with people who never saw themselves as less than or unable. I am passionate about bridging the gap between Mental Health services and the D/d/HH community. I want to educate other Mental Health professionals on how we can be better advocates and allies for those who are D/d/HH. 

Events during Deaf Awareness month in 2024 -

September 7th- 

  • Deaf Night at KC Current including resource booths by Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Game starts at 6:30PM

September 14- 

  • 10AM-5PM Deafopia at Kansas School for the Deaf
  • Olingo at Olathe Club for the Deaf (doors open at 6PM, Olingo starts at 7PM)

September 21- 

  • Kansas School for the Deaf Homecoming 

September 24-

  • Deaf Peer Support Group at The Whole Person

September 27-

  • 6:30PM-8:30PM Deaf Community Event at Abundant Life church in Lee’s Summit

September 28-

  • ASL 4 ALL 5K walk (Museum of Deaf History, Arts & Culture and Kansas School for the Deaf)
  • Deaf Night at SERV (Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) 

Join Kansas City Deaf/Hearing Events on Facebook to stay updated on local events!

Interested in learning American Sign Language? 

LOCAL Mental Health Resources for Deaf/deaf/Hard of Hearing

  • Rebecca Bell, NCC, LPC | Grow Psychological, LLC in Leawood, KS or online (KS only) | Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) and fluent in ASL | sliding scale counseling offered for D/d/HH and CODAs | accepts Aetna insurance | rbell@growandthrivekc.com www.growandthrivekc.com
  • Anna Carroll, LCPC | Carroll Cares Counseling in Overland Park, KS or online (MO or KS) | ASL | private pay and sliding scale available | accepts Aetna and Cigna insurance | https://carrollcarescounseling.clientsecure.me/
  • Brandy Haddock, LPC | ReDiscover Mental Health in Lee’s Summit, MO | ASL | ReDiscover accepts insurance, check website for more information | www.rediscovermh.org

OTHER Mental Health Resources for Deaf/deaf/Hard of Hearing

24-HOUR CRISIS HOTLINES

Deaf Crisis Line
 
  • DeafLEAD offers 24-hour crisis lines committed to providing a safe place for you to get the help that you need
  • Video Phone: 321-800-3323

Crisis Text Line

  • Provides 24-hour confidential crisis counseling via text messaging.
  • Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support

988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline

 

Reference:

 

Schedule a FREE 15 minute virtual meeting with Rebecca to discuss ASL counseling options for you! 

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