The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf provides deaf sensitivity training to enhance awareness and understanding of Deaf culture, communication, and accessibility for people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing. In the training, we go beyond viewing deafness as a medical condition to explore the rich cultural and linguistic aspects of being deaf. This training is designed for professionals, educators, service providers, and anyone interested in learning more about Deaf culture, communication, and accessibility.
By law (the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA), state and local government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations serving the public are required to provide effective communication access for people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing. True accessibility is not an afterthought, but something that must be built in from the beginning. This starts with defining what it means to be accessible, educating others, modeling best practices, and empowering those we serve. Because accessibility is a legal right under the ADA, this training can help participants meet those requirements while improving communication and service for people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.
Training Overview: "Deafness: More Than a Medical Condition"
The training, “Deafness: More Than a Medical Condition,” is broken into two parts. It is offered virtually or in-person and can be tailored to meet the need of your business or organizations. This training is suitable for individuals from all professional backgrounds
Part One:
Part 1 of the deaf sensitivity training focuses on understanding that deafness is something that is highly variable, which may include cultural and linguistic identity, and is more than a medical issue. This part of the training gives participants knowledge and guidance on how to recognize and address common barriers to accessible communication faced by individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing.
Key Objectives:
- Increase awareness of deafness as a variable, an identity, culture, and language
- Identify common barriers for people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing
- Understand the unique impact of deafness on individual experiences
What You Will Learn:
- Recognize stereotypes against people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing
- Differentiate between Deaf identities
- Learn about systemic barriers
- Understand the importance of equity
Part Two:
Part two of the deaf sensitivity training focuses on practical aspects of interacting with people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing. It includes guidance for working with interpreters, communication strategies, and education on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also covers how to advocate and provide better support for people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.
Key Objectives:
- Provide awareness of sign language interpreters, communication strategies, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Share real-life scenarios experienced by people who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing
- Educate on systemic changes for better support the d/Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing communities
What You Will Learn:
- Effective strategies for communicating with individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing
- How to recognize and reduce long-standing barriers
- What it means to advocate for accessibility
- How to provide effective accommodations
Schedule a Training that Fits Your Needs
The Louisiana Commission for the Deaf offers flexible scheduling options to meet your business or organization’s needs. All trainings are available either in person or virtually. We make every effort to fulfill requests as they are received. To help us secure necessary communication accommodations, we kindly ask that you submit your request at least two weeks in advance.
Scheduling options:
- Full Day Training:
- Full day training includes Part One and Part Two
- From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Includes small-group breakout sessions
- Multi-Week Trainings:
- Full training provided one hour per week over a four week period
- Available to schedule between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Half Day Training:
- A four hour condensed full training
- Available to schedule between 9 a.m. and 3:30 pm.m.
- Two hour sessions may be scheduled on seperate days
- Refresher Training:
- Summary of Part One and/or Part Two
- One-hour summary of the full training
- One-hour summary on either Part One or Part Two
- Summary of Part One and/or Part Two
- Customized Training:
- Training tailored to your specific needs, designed with flexiblity to fit your schedule. We are committed to working closely with you to ensure the training meets your goals and is delivered at a time that works best for you.
- Please note that customized training requests must be made at least two months in advance to ensure proper accommodations, including interpreter services.
To schedule a deaf sensitivity training
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For questions or more information about the deaf sensitivity training, contact us at LCD@la.gov
Regional Service Center Responsibilities
📖 Read the Service Provision Manual for the current requirements.