Deaf Equality

When they cut OSERS, they cut enforcement of education rights for millions of students with disabilities. The Trump administration’s staffing cuts threaten oversight of IDEA, the ADA, and the Rehabilitation Act — laws that protect Deaf students and students with disabilities nationwide. We call on the administration to restore OSERS funding and staffing now. It’s the law.

The webinar is right around the corner — don’t miss it! Join us for “Do You Know Your Deaf Rights Under Medicare and Medicaid?”, hosted by Deaf Equality and Deaf Seniors of America (DSA). Learn about your rights, access to services, and what’s covered under Medicare and Medicaid. November 5, 2025 12:30 PM PT | 1:30 PM MT | 2:30 PM CT | 3:30 PM ET Moderator: Sherri Collins Panelists: Howard Rosenblum, Anna Bitencourt, Zainab Alkebsi, Jacob Salem, and Lisa Bothwell (Deaf Health Policy Legal Expert) Presented in ASL, voiced in English, and captioned for full accessibility. Register now: https://lnkd.in/g-xMhjtU For more info, visit: https://lnkd.in/gajyQZRm Accessible Livestream Made Possible by Caption Anywhere

We are proud to stand with 800+ national, state, local, civil rights, education, and disability advocacy organizations in condemning the mass layoffs at the Department of Education (ED) — jeopardizing decades of progress in protecting students with disabilities. We urge the Administration and Congress to protect children and immediately restore staffing and support at ED. It’s a moral and legal obligation for our nation's children. Full statement here: https://lnkd.in/en3GkAdu... #DontTurnBackTheClock #ProtectIDEA #ProtectChildrenwithDisabilities

Deaf Equality stands with more than 60 national disability organizations calling for a Senate Oversight Hearing to investigate troubling Department of Education actions that were not approved by Congress and that threaten protections for children with disabilities. Read the joint letter: https://lnkd.in/e5hB59yQ Tell the U.S. Senate to take action: https://lnkd.in/gy98T3W7 Together, we must #ProtectChildrenWithDisabilities and #ProtectIDEA.
Do not let decades of progress be undone.

NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT — Contact your members of Congress!

Do You Know Your Deaf Rights Under Medicare and Medicaid? Join Deaf Equality and DEAF SENIORS OF AMERICA INC (DSA) for a free webinar exploring your rights, access to services, and important updates on Medicare and Medicaid coverage. November 5, 2025 12:30–2:00 PM PT | 1:30–3:00 PM MT | 2:30–4:00 PM CT | 3:30–5:00 PM ET Moderator: Sherri Collins Presenters: Howard Rosenblum, Anna Bitencourt, Zainab Alkebsi, Jacob Salem This workshop will be presented in ASL, with voice interpretation and captions provided. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eBdEfr3V Accessible Livestream Made Possible by Caption Anywhere ⚡

On October 8, 2010, President Obama signed the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) into law. The CVAA is a landmark law that brought us closer to equal access to modern communications for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened people. At Deaf Equality, we honor the 15th anniversary of the CVAA and continue the work to ensure that technology and communication services become truly accessible for all.

We’re proud to announce that Zainab Alkebsi, Esq. will represent Deaf Equality at the 2025 M-Enabling Summit! She’ll join fellow leaders on the panel, “Creating an Accessible Customer Experience for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Consumers,” exploring real-world strategies to help businesses deliver more inclusive, accessible experiences.

There has been a lot of action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.  This video, produced by Deaf Equality, explains the legal rights and protections you are entitled to when interacting with ICE. You have the right to clear, effective communication and accommodations — including qualified interpreters, captioning, or other services that fit your specific needs. ICE officers are required under federal law to respect these rights and provide appropriate access without delay or retaliation. To help you advocate for yourself, Deaf Equality has created a downloadable letter that you can carry with you in your pocket, wallet, or bag. This letter explains your rights and lists the types of services you may need, so you can share it with ICE officers, attorneys, or facility staff. Watch the video above for a summary of your rights, and download the letter here to keep with you at all times: https://lnkd.in/e-vgWA7G

Driving Global Accessibility at the 2025 M-Enabling Summit We will be in Washington D.C. from October 6 - 8 for the 2025 M-Enabling Summit joining disability advocates, policymakers, and professionals in the #DigitalAccessibility space. We look forward to connecting with you there! Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/e8R9bDKw Register at: https://lnkd.in/exaynTz2 #mEnabling25 #AccessibleFuture #GlobalAccessibility