Project Title

Social Inclusion for the Deaf in the Dominican Republic

Funder

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) grant

DDW’s Role

USAID Prime

DDW’s Partners

Asociación Nacional de Sordos de la República Dominicana (ANSORDO), World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), University of Rochester, Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)

Timeline

April 6, 2017 – December 6, 2021

Overview

Deaf Worlds (DDW) partnered with the Asociación Nacional de Sordos de la República Dominicana (ANSORDO) to enhance organizational development, consultation processes, Deaf education, research, and human rights training. The goal was to improve the sustainability of ANSORDO, its Deaf leadership, and partnerships with other people with disabilities organizations. Utilizing a “train-the-trainer” model with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and Deaf specialists, ANSORDO members became self-sufficient and were able to train others, spreading knowledge and skills across the country.

Our Approach

Through our partnership with WFD, DDW collaborated with ANSORDO to enhance the organization’s capabilities through three focus areas:

Education: Conducted six interactive workshops to build ANSORDO’s capacity in Deaf leadership, education, and organizational development. These workshops covered key topics like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Deaf rights, strategic planning, and budgeting to strengthen educational efforts within the Deaf community.

Health and Social Protection: Created accessible resources and tools specifically designed for Deaf Dominicans. These resources focused on advocacy, decision-making, and community needs assessment, ensuring Deaf individuals were equipped to protect their rights and well-being.

Technology: Developed user-friendly and visually appealing digital tools for Deaf Dominicans. These tools included templates for grant writing and quantitative research collection, enabling better technological engagement and knowledge application within the community.

Impact At-A-Glance

9,671 people from 2,673 households across 41 districts in 15 municipalities were included in the Deaf census project

511 Deaf Dominicans were trained on organizational development and human rights through 13 community workshops hosted by the core team, passing on their knowledge from the training.

50 members of the Deaf teaching community from various provinces in the Dominican Republic attended a 3-day training hosted by DDW’s program specialists

16 Deaf Dominican leaders were collaborated with DDW to assess the needs of ANSORDO and the local Deaf community in 2017.

4 years of training by DDW and program specialists to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and rights for Deaf Dominicans.

DETAIL

The crises that have impacted signing Deaf communities are often related to communication, accessibility, and social inclusion. Here are some types of challenging crises:

1. Health Crises:

Deaf people struggle to get health information in sign language and have limited access to health literacy, especially during medical emergencies.
There aren’t enough sign language interpreters in hospitals.

2. Economic Crises:

Deaf people face higher unemployment and financial difficulties.
Access to social services and financial aid can be limited.
Funding for Deaf organizations and education may decrease as they are not considered top priorities, unlike disability organizations that aim to “hit many birds with one stone.”

3. Human Rights Violations:

Deaf people are often excluded from decision-making and aid during global crises.
They face discrimination and lack legal protection.
Deaf individuals are at higher risk of violence and exploitation.

4. Technological Disruptions:

The digital divide makes it harder for Deaf people to access important information.
New technologies often lack sign language support and closed captioning.
Remote learning and work can be difficult due to limited internet access.