NEW YORK CITY (Deaf411) - (12 August 2009) - Deaf411, a deaf marketing
and public relations company, has released the final report and results
of a year-long survey on which cities are considered deaf friendly.
The final report, which lists 20 U.S. cities, was released today and is
now available for public viewing.
This Deaf Friendly Cities
report includes a narrative of a selected city from each of four U.S.
regions, lists several community resources, and photos representing a
variety of situations that are considered deaf friendly to deaf
consumers or travelers.
"While research for this report should
not be considered scientific," a Deaf411 representative explains, "this
sampling of consumers with significant hearing loss who depend
primarily on sign language provides solid criteria for evaluating
cities for accessibility from a deaf friendly perspective."
DEAF-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE U.S.
Video & Free Online Report -
http://www.deaf411online.com/46.html
From the report:
CONCLUSION This project has shown different ways a city can be Deaf-Friendly. We found these common features in Deaf-Friendly cities:
- local government that includes deaf people in the political process
- a deaf community that is large enough to host activities and deaf services
- positive and open-minded attitude among hearing residents
- a local deaf education center nearby
The population of the 20 'Deaf-Friendly' cities listed in this Report vary in size from 12,000 to 18 million. Interestingly, the majority of these 20 'Deaf-Friendly' cities are medium-sized, with 100,000-800,000 residents. Medium-sized cities seem to have the best combination of size and resources to become 'Deaf-Friendly.'
How Can You Make Your City 'Deaf-Friendly'?
We recommend that you introduce yourself to the local government in your city. Encourage them to make their meetings accessible, and include Deaf people on key committees. If there are not enough local deaf events, you might want to talk with a business to host a deaf social event and publicize to the deaf community. Hearing people thinking positively of deaf people is key in a 'Deaf-Friendly' city, so your behavior and attitude is important. Be creative in helping your city become more 'Deaf-Friendly.'
This Report is not intended to be the "final answer." Use the Report as a resource and let it help you consider what you want to look for in a 'Deaf-Friendly' city. Inform, and invite, family members, friends and co-workers to visit this website and online Report by going to Deaf411Online at www.deaf411online.com/deaffriendly and clicking "Tell-A-Friend". Let us work together to spread the word and increase understanding what is needed to make a city "Deaf-Friendly"!
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