Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access

Three sticky pads on a desk with each having one of the words, diversity, inclusion, or inclusion written on it

The goal of this group is to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of accessibility in DEIA initiatives in all types of settings, whether in the workplace, classroom, or the community. Environments that value DEIA and provide the necessary support and access for individuals with hearing loss or who are Deaf benefit everyone. 

Creating accessible environments, developing inclusive, equitable communication strategies, and understanding legal requirements and best practices for accommodations are some important DEIA areas that need addressing. These and other related topics can be explored in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility group. 

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Group Content

Webpages/Websites

NAD Position Statement on Accessible Emergency Management for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People

The National Association of the Deaf's (NAD) position statement on making emergency management accessible to deaf and hard of hearing people. Their website outlines best practices for accessible alerting, communication during emergencies, and preparedness training, and notes the federal laws that require emergency services to be accessible. It is a useful reference for individuals as well as…

Government documents

Ready.gov Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities

The federal government's emergency-preparedness resource for people with disabilities, maintained through Ready.gov. It covers building a personal preparedness plan, receiving accessible emergency alerts, and maintaining communication access during an emergency, with guidance relevant to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Learn more here .

Recorded Events/Videos

U.S. Access Board Webinar: Accessible Parking, Pushing Beyond Minimum Requirements to Meet Today's Demand

The ADA National Network, in cooperation with the U.S. Access Board, hosted a webinar on accessible parking as part of its Accessibility Online webinar series. The recording and presentation materials are available in the series archive. The session covered the minimum design requirements for accessible parking and potential solutions to better meet current demand. Presenters proposed improvements…

Discussion

How Does Hearing Loss Affect Employment and Income for Young Adults?

Hearing loss can affect more than communication. A 2025 study in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology followed Americans from adolescence into adulthood using data from the long-running ADD Health survey. The researchers compared education, employment, and income outcomes for people who reported hearing loss with those who reported no hearing loss. The study found that young adults with hearing loss…

Event

Public Consultation: WHO package of ear and hearing care interventions

The World Health Organization is hosting a public consultation on November 7, 2025, to discuss its new Package of Ear and Hearing Care Interventions (PEHCI). The session will run from 13:00–14:00 UTC and will present methods used in developing the package, outline the proposed interventions, and gather feedback from health professionals, policymakers, researchers, civil society, and advocacy…