Bhawani Dangal and Julia Freeman-Woolpert Presented at Reach Out: Supporting Deaf Refugees conference

When it comes to supporting vulnerable communities, clear communication plays a crucial role. Deaf refugees face unique challenges that often go unnoticed.

Understanding the Challenges Deaf Refugees Face

Deaf refugees often encounter barriers that go beyond language. They struggle with:

• Refugee resettlement services are inaccessible to Deaf refugees

• Lack of access to instruction in American Sign Language

• Limited availability of Nepali Sign Language interpreters

• Lack of effective communication in health care settings

• Social isolation

Recommendations

Deaf refugees need access to same resettlement services as hearing refugees.

• Language

• Cultural orientation

• Case management

• Employment support

Improve competence of refugee resettlement program in resettling D/HH

• Training; links with Deaf organizations

• More resources for making services accessible to D/HH refugees

• Resettle in communities/states with resources – like a robust Deaf center

Family education

• Learn ASL

• See capabilities of Deaf people – successful Deaf role models

• Training on Deaf rights

Address isolation

• Deaf Bhutanese need to be together, have social time, services, learn together

• Mentors

Need Deaf refugees who provide services for other Deaf refugees.

Other refugee groups have case managers from their culture, why not Deaf/NSL users?

Deaf services in Bhutanese population clusters

Interpreters need training in cultural issues