Activating Change, Inc.

Clear Communication Is Essential for Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing (deaf People) Victims and Survivors When Seeking Help and Receiving Services. for Many Deaf People, the Best Way to Communicate Is In-person, Using Sign Language, Protactile, or an Assistive Communication Device. Services That Best Meet the Needs of Deaf Victims and Survivors Are Provided in the Preferred Form of Communication of the Individual and Are Rooted in Deaf Culture. These Services Are for Deaf, by Deaf Services. However, These Types of Services Are Often Not Available Due to the Limited Number of Culturally Deaf Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs. Additionally, Most Hearing Organizations Do Not Employ Deaf Advocates, So Few of Them Are Well-positioned to Provide Culturally Appropriate Services to Deaf Victims and Survivors. as a Result, Many Deaf Victims and Survivors Are Either Unserved or Underserved. Virtual Services May Be a Way to Address This Problem and Provide Immediate Services to Deaf Victims and Survivors. Activating Change Will Implement the Recommended Strategy Outlined in the Expanding Deaf-specific Victim Services Nationwide: a 5-YEAR Strategy Report. Specifically, Activating Changewill Launch a Virtual for Deaf, by Deaf Victim Services Program; Pilot Test Strategies to Expand In-person Services; and Scale Up In-person Services.