Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and with Hurricane Milton approaching, many in our community are facing uncertainty due to a lack of ASL information. We have launched the Hurricane Relief ASL Helpline for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people seeking hurricane resources. Call us now at (833) 682-7630 for access to vital information, safety plans, and even support for non-ASL resources to be explained in ASL. You can find accessible resources, as well as more information on what topics our helpline can support here: https://lnkd.in/ehu22GYX Please share this post with anyone who would benefit from the helpline. Prioritize your safety and follow any issued evacuation orders. Let’s support our community together!

"Direct Video Calling has been a big focus for [CSD], and we've been encouraging governments and corporations to adopt ASL customer service to create direct access for the deaf community" Technology has the potential to make the world a more equitable place. At CSD, we're working diligently to reach that potential. You can read the full interview here: https://bit.ly/482QsMb [Image Description: The Forbes logo with the text "Equality. Autonomy. Access. An Interview with CEO, Chris Soukup" on the right side of the image is a photo of Chris Soukup wearing a black polo and smiling into the camera. CSD's logo is on the bottom right.]

🚨 ASL Hotline for Hurricane Relief! 🚨 If you know someone in the Deaf community impacted by Hurricanes Milton or Helene, this hotline provides vital information in American Sign Language (ASL) — including FEMA assistance, financial support, and more👇

🌟 This October, we proudly celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month! At CSD, we’re committed to creating inclusive workplaces where Deaf and Hard of Hearing professionals can thrive. Accessibility is at the heart of what we do, from technology to training. Let’s continue to break down barriers and create opportunities for all abilities. #NDEAM2024 #InclusiveWorkplace #AccessibilityMatters #DeafEmployment #DisabilityInclusion [Image Description: A blue tinted photo of a woman standing - leaning while resting her hands on the table as she watches a bald man across the table signing to her. There are two other individuals writing on a poster that is laid out at the table. The top header reads: "National Disability Employment Awareness Month." The bottom has the following text and CSD logo. The text reads: "Celebrating Inclusion in the Workplace."]

💼 Ready to explore how career mobility impacts Deaf and Hard of Hearing professionals? Join us as we dive into critical questions on self-advocacy, opportunities for growth, and the role employers play in advancing D/HH careers. With Chris Soukup as our moderator, our expert panel will discuss key topics, including accommodations, personal growth, and how education and identity shape career paths. Register below to join us on October 23rd at 1pm. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/guH5T_SV This webinar will be held in American Sign Language (ASL) and have interpreters and live captioning. This event is one of four events leading up to the Deaf Employment Summit, an in-person event in June 2025. Sponsors include Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), National Association of the Deaf, Gallaudet University and RIT National Technical Institute for the Deaf. #DeafJobSeekers #Deaf #HardOfHearing #DeafCommunity #Employment #DeafEmploymentSummit #DeafJobs [Image Description: On the top left, the title reads “Career Mobility, Cultivating the career potential of DHH professionals.” On the top right there is text inside a blue circle: “Deaf Employment Summit 2, Webinar Series” At the center is a white box with a quotation icon inside along with the text: “As with life, our career journeys are made up of experiences that shape our professional identity and propel us towards what we want to contribute to the world. Everyone’s path is different, and our values help us navigate through challenges, changes, and uncertainty. Chris Soukup, Moderator, CEO, CSD” On the right side is a cut out of a man with short brown hair wearing a business suit jacket and a white buttoned shirt. Below the white box, the text reads “What does career growth or switch look like for our Deaf community? Join the conversation.” The bottom has logos of Communication Service for the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf, Gallaudet University, National Technical Institute for the Deaf. In the white bottom border, the text reads: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 1-2 PM ET, Register today!” ]

📊 Did you know the global call center market is expected to hit $740 billion by 2030? How can your company tap into that while ensuring equitable access for all? The article written by our CEO, Chris Soukup, reveals how AI-powered systems can still leave Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers behind—and what your company can do to bridge the gap. Get insights on building accessible customer service experiences ➡️ https://lnkd.in/guBw36Uu #InclusiveTech #EquitableCommunication #CustomerService #DeafCommunity #Deaf #HardOfHearing #DEIA #Accessibility #FutureOfAI #Inclusion #DirectVideoCalling #DVC [Image Description: The text on the top of the graphic includes: "How Companies Can Use AI to Better Serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers by Chris Soukup, September 17, 2024." Above the title reads "Customer Service". Below is a faded illustration of a woman looking sideways with purple skin and white long hair. There are wavy lines of white, blue and green with white and dark gray dots. On the bottom corners, there are logos of Harvard Business Review and CSD.]

As Deaf Awareness Month comes to a close, Claudia L. Gordon, Esq. from the National Council on Disability shares how we can tackle communication barriers and ensure full participation for our deaf communities: 1. Support legislation that promotes accessibility, such as the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility (CVTA) Act; 2. Budget for the provision of qualified sign language interpreters, captioning, and accommodations in all settings;  3. Recognize the diverse and unique communication needs of all individuals; and 4. Become active allies and advocates by learning sign language, Deaf culture, and so much more. TDIforAccess (TDI) Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) National Disability Institute National Association of the Deaf Disability:IN

Moving forward with a career looks different for everyone. Whether it is navigating a current job or pivoting into a new position, join this discussion about career opportunities as a Deaf/Hard of Hearing person. On October 23rd at 1pm Eastern, we are excited to bring multiple perspectives from our panelists: Roberta Mather, Chief Communication Officer Rachel Arfa, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Storm Smith, Creative Consultant & Creative Director Melissa Salazar, Manager of Contingent Talent Partners at Netflix Don't wait, register here: https://lnkd.in/guH5T_SV This webinar will be held in American Sign Language (ASL) and have interpreters and live captioning. This event is one of four events leading up to the Deaf Employment Summit, an in-person event in June 2025. Sponsors include Communication Service for the Deaf, the National Association of the Deaf, Gallaudet University and NTID/RIT. National Association of the Deaf Gallaudet University RIT National Technical Institute for the Deaf #DeafJobSeekers #Deaf #HardOfHearing #DeafCommunity #Employment #DeafEmploymentSummit #DeafJobs [Image Description: The text on the top of the graphic includes: “Career Mobility, Cultivating the career potential of DHH professionals.” On the top right, the text reads: “Deaf Employment Summit 2, Webinar Series.” There are four photos in a row with names and roles underneath. From left to right: A woman with blonde long hair wearing a red top, “Roberta Mather, Chief Communications Officer; A black and white photo of a woman with her hair in a bun and smiling sideways, “Storm Smith, Creative Consultant and Creative Director; A woman with brown medium hair wearing a red top and a business jacket, “Rachel Arfa, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities”; A woman with blonde hair resting her arm on a director’s chair that has Netflix logo printed on it. There is a tv on behind her. “Melissa Salazar, Manager, Contingent Talent Partners at Netflix.” Underneath, there are logos of Communication Service for the Deaf, National Association of the Deaf, Gallaudet University, and RIT/NTID. On the bottom, the text reads: “Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 1- 2PM ET, Register today!”]

🌿 September symbolizes change and transition, much like the journey of accessibility within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. From TTYs to advanced technologies like Direct Video Calling, progress never stops. At CSD, we honor the trailblazers who have helped pave the way and continue working toward a future where communication is equitable for all. Read more about the evolution of accessible technology and how you can push for progress with the Communication Video Technology Accessibility (CVTA) Bill here: https://lnkd.in/gN73V2aA #DeafAwarenessMonth #AccessibleTech #CommunicationEquity #DeafCommunity #InclusiveTech #Deaf #HardOfHearing #CVTABill [Image Description: A teal square is centered with "NEW BLOG POST!" on top bar that resembles a search engine bar. There is a horizontal photo below that shows outlines of people and technology lines inside. Then there is text below the photo: "Celebrating Deaf Awareness Month with... Reflecting on the Evolution of Accessible Technology" At the bottom left is the CSD logo with "Read full article at CSD.ORG" and an arrow on the bottom right corner. The background is white with a black outline of hands signing "Deaf Awareness Month" on the top center.]

How can companies use AI to create a more inclusive experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing customers? Our CEO, Chris Soukup, shared key insights in his Harvard Business Review article. From designing customer experiences to including individuals with lived experience, these steps can reshape the future of customer service. Swipe through for some points and read the full article for more insights at the link below. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/guBw36Uu #InclusiveTech #EquitableCommunication #CustomerService #DeafCommunity #Deaf #HardOfHearing #DEIA #Accessibility #FutureOfAI #Inclusion #DirectVideoCalling #DVC [Image Description: A series of 7 graphics. Graphics 1 and 7 have a dark gray background with faded dots, CSD logo and white text. Graphics 2 through 6 has a light blue background with faded dots, with enlarged numbers on the top left and bold text in dark gray and CSD logo on the top right. There are white arrows to indicate swiping to the next graphic. All text reads: Graphic 1: Ways to create more inclusive and accessible customer service programs with AI, From the article, "How Companies Can Use AI to Better Serve Deaf and Hard of Hearing Customers", Written by Chris Soukup, CEO of Communication Service for the Deaf, for Harvard Business Review on September 17, 2024 Graphic 2: 01 - Design customer experiences to be inclusive from the beginning. Graphic 3: 02 - Repurpose a portion of efficiencies gained from automation to support more complex customer service needs. Graphic 4: 03 - Use an abundant and expansive mindset in the engineering of customer experiences. Graphic 5: 04 - Demonstrate socially responsible practices. Graphic 6: 05 - Involve individuals with lived experience as a person with a disability in the development of any AI-powered application. Graphic 7: Read the entire article linked below.]