Tampa woman hopes to open doors to employment for deaf community through book, ‘Breaking Barriers’

Patti Sanchez signing to a client off screen while shopping for shoes for work.

TAMPA, Fla. — According to the American Community Survey done by the U.S. Census, approximately 3.6 percent of the U.S. population considers themselves deaf or hard of hearing.


What You Need To Know

  • Studies have shown that Hispanics who are deaf face challenges revolving around education and connecting with their loved ones when they learn English and sign language at school
  • According to the U.S. Census, 3.6 percent of the population consider themselves deaf or hard of hearing
  • Patti Sanchez is helping her deaf community overcome the challenge of finding a job
  • Sanchez wrote a book, “Breaking Barriers,” to help employers understand the accommodations for those who are hard of hearing

Although there are schools that help to accommodate those with hearing needs, it can still be difficult, especially for Hispanics who, for them, it’s rare for educational programs to cater to teaching Latin American signed languages.

That’s the case for Patti Sanchez — although it may look like a typical trip to the mall for her, she’s there on a mission: to help her client find the perfect outfit.

“We came today to find a sweater that he needs for his new job because it’s very cold at the warehouse, and then a comfortable shoe, and it’s been approved by the vocational rehabilitation,” she said.

It’s all part of her job as an employment specialist — a job she’s been doing for 12 years.

Read on at https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2023/11/21/latins-who-are-deaf-face-may-challenges-?fbclid=IwAR2FyrkOrTmkugFVAeMOaQUbs1IldosNcU4QQEFqYe0ppJWfgZZF30oWIGw

 

Black Deaf Men Summit (Washington DC, Feb. 16-17, 2024)

Black Deaf Men Summit, Washington DC, Feb. 16-17, 2024, see below for more info

The Center for Black Deaf Studies officially extended an invitation to Black Deaf men to attend an empowering weekend on Saturday, February 17, 2024, designed to provide a space for a discourse on the issues Black Deaf men face that affect their ability to achieve their personal goals in life. The theme is : ‘The Souls of Black Deaf Men’. We chose this theme as we hope it will inspire us to dig deep into our souls and think about what it means to be a Black Deaf Man? What is it that we need to do to be better men? What is that we need to do to be able to empower ourselves and break the barriers that force us into bad choices and habits. This will be the very first of its kind and we will have dialogues, workshops and moderated group discussions to cover the areas we feel need our attention as Black Deaf Men the most. Save the date and join us for a weekend of well-needed connection.
 
Registration Required: gu.live/VHMZp
 
Questions/concerns: contact cbds at gallaudet.edu