Links & Resources

Deaf-Owned Businesses

By Mara
https://www.bymara.com
Mara Ladines is a Deaf, Asian, female business owner living in “The Big Apple”. She has a small clothing store in Dumbo, Brooklyn called By Mara which features the “I Love You” symbol in American Sign Language.  By Mara launched in 2008, it had only two products. Today, By Mara has expanded into a countrywide business with 100 products on the line! These products are available online, in-store, and at various festivals.


Advocacy:

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services
https://www.adwas.org
Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services empowers Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment to transform their lives, while striving to change the beliefs and behaviors that foster and perpetuate violence. We provide comprehensive services to individuals and families, community education, and advocacy on systems and policy issues.

Addiction Treatment and Rehab for Deaf and Blind Individuals
https://www.rehabcenter.net/rehab-for-deaf-and-blind/
If you, or a someone close to you, is struggling with deafness, hearing loss, blindness, or impaired vision, or any other disability, and is faced with an addiction, please reach out to our compassionate and expert staff at RehabCenter.net. We can help you to further explore your best options, from conventional, privately ran programs, to those that are tailored to fit the exact needs of your disability.

Beth Hirnle, NCC., LMHC
10827 NE 68th St. Suite E
Kirkland, WA 98033
[425] 443-9893 V
[425] 307-6540
BethHirnle@msn.com

BIRTH INJURY Justice Center
The Birth Injury Center is dedicated to supporting anyone who has been affected by birth injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and other developmental disabilities. We strive to provide answers and guidance to ensure that families receive the assistance that they need to help improve their overall quality of life. 

Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health, Behavioral Healthcare
402 South Fourth Avenue
Yakima, WA 98902</span
[509] 575-4084 V
[509] 575-4200 V
[509] 452-9675 V
https://www.comphc.org

Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Ms W3636
Seattle, WA 98105
[206] 987-3858
[206] 987-3886 V/TTY
Susan.sidman@seattlechildrens.org
https://www.seattlechildrens.org

Seattle Children’s Hospital,
Department of Psychiatry, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services
4800 Sand Point Way NE
W3636
Seattle, WA 98105
[206] 987-2164 V
[206] 987-4885 V
[206] 526-2551 TTY
Erika.miller@seattlechildrens.org
https://www.seattlechildrens.org

Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning
Washington State Independent Living Council
www.WASILC.org/InclusiveEmergencyPlanning.html
The Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP) is a statewide disability advisory group that provides technical advice on physical and programmatic accesses and effective communication strategies. Jim House is the Disability Integration Manager.

Columbia River Mental Health Services
6926 NE Fourth Plain Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661
[360] 993-3000 V
[360] 993-3001 TTY
[360] 993-3047
info@crmhs.org
http://crmhs.org

Deaf Access Washington
409 North 57th Avenue
Yakima, WA 98908
[509] 728-9014 VP
[509] 452-9823 V
[509] 966-9799
garym@dawash.org
http://www.dawash.org/DAW/Home.html

Deaf Counseling Center
https://deafcounseling.com
Deaf Counseling Center is a Deaf-owned and operated counseling and consulting practice staffed by Deaf licensed professional therapists. We specialize in working with Deaf people and their families.

deaf friendly
http://www.deaffriendly.com
deaffriendly.com brings awareness to deaf-friendly businesses, and corrective feedback to deaf-challenged businesses. Reviewers fit a number of categories: deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing (hh), friends/family of the deaf and those with a special interest in creating a deaf-friendly world.

Deaf Health Talks
https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/family-medicine/programs/mdisability/addressing-healthcare-disparities/deaf-health-talks
Deaf Health Talks are regular, virtual live stream health education monthly events for Deaf signers, with available closed captions for non-signers. These presentations, covering current health topics, are given largely by different Deaf health experts education forum in American Sign Language to generate an accessible health education platform for Deaf and hard of hearing community members. These presentations are free and open to the public and provide opportunities for community members to ask questions in an interactive question and answer forum. The Deaf Health Talks can include live demonstrations on cooking, exercise, and good health practices, that can help you take control of your health right from your home. Viewers also get access to opportunities to contribute to health research studies and connect to community health resources

Deaf Youth Leadership
https://awsleaders.org/dtl
Through an interactive, weeklong camp experience, students learn and practice essential skills. Several workshops are held relating to character building, leadership, communication, integrity, self-identity, advocacy and teamwork. Students at Deaf Teen Leadership also have the opportunity to experience the Cispus challenge course, participate in Deaf culture enrichment activities and meet other Deaf and hard of hearing youth from high schools across Washington. Camp directors are James Christianson and Mark Hoshi.

Debbie Lasky-Fink, MA, LMHC, MA Mental Health Counselor
20056 – 19th Ave NE, Suite 104A
Shoreline, WA 98155
[425] 308-3693 V
Laskyfinkd@yahoo.com
http://debbielasky-fink.com

Hearing Speech and Deaf Center
https://www.hsdc.org
HSDC is a resource center; we empower people through speech therapy, audiology, advocacy, parent-infant & preschool programs, and interpreting services.
HSDC also have service centers in Seattle, Tacoma and Bellingham.

Jacqui Metzger, MSW, LICSW
2271 NE 51st Street
Seattle, WA 98105
jacquimetzger@gmail.com

Law Office of Michael Izak
surdus.law@gmail.com
Deaf Attorney serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in Oregon and Washington states. Contact for a consultation or for an appointment.

Lifeline Connections – Specialized Recovery Services
1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd, Building 17
Vancouver, WA 98661
[360] 991-0481 VP
[360] 397-8246 V
[360] 991-0908 VP
jblair@lifelineconnections.org
https://lifelineconnections.org

Melick Psychological Services
Amy Melick, Ph.D., Private Practice
17220 – 127th Pl. NE, #300
Woodinville, WA 98072
[425] 985-5236 V
drmelick@comcast.net

Melissa Wood Brewster, MSW, LICSW
753 N. 35th Street, Suite 102
Seattle, WA 98103
[206] 409-1266 V
woodbrewster@gmail.com
http://woodbrewster.com

Mental Health, Department of Social & Health Services,
Division of Behavorial Health and Recovery
PO Box 45130
Olympia, WA 98504
[888] 713-6010 V
https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-and-supports/behavioral-health-and-recovery

National Deaf Therapy
https://www.nationaldeaftherapy.com/copy-of-asl-now
National Deaf Therapy is a tele-mental health platform serving nationally. National Deaf Therapy puts patient confidentiality first and is 100% compliant with all patient privacy rules and regulations. National Deaf Therapy works with most insurance carriers and accepts private pay and provide 30 minutes of free consultation.  NDT covers domestic violence, couples counseling, grief counseling, end of life counseling and any type of therapy.

Neuropsychological Health Care & Rehabilitation Services;
Wilson Clinical Services, PLLC.
1117 A Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
[360] 339-7752
wcs@wilsonclinical.com
https://wilsonclinical.com

North Sound Mental Health Administration
301 Valley Mall Way, Suite 110
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
[360] 416-7013 V
[800] 833-6384 TTY
[360] 416-7017
Margaret_rojas@nsmha.org
https://nsbhaso.org

Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/office-deaf-and-hard-hearing
ODHH provide equal access opportunities to effective communication in telecommunications, DSHS, and the daily lives of the people we serve. ODHH operate in accordance to the law, plan for the future, budget to fund our services, hold ourselves accountable, and partner with our stakeholders to address gaps in services.

Regional Service Centers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/odhh/regional-service-centers

Salveo Counseling Center
16150 NE 85th Street, Suite 121</span
Redmond, WA 98052
[425] 868-5777 V
info@salveocounseling.com
https://www.salveocounseling.com

Seattle Counseling Services
1216 Pine Street, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98101
[206] 323-1768 V/TTY
[206] 323-2184
info@seattlecounseling.org
https://seattlecounseling.org

Sheryl E. Kool, M.A., Licensed Mental Health Counselor
13019 – 42nd Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Sheryl@thekools.org
http://www.sherylkool.com

Sound Health
https://www.sound.health
Founded in 1966, Sound is one of King County’s most comprehensive providers of quality mental health and addiction treatment services, supporting our area’s most vulnerable populations. A central tenet of our work is Reaching Recovery, an evidence-based clinical care model that promotes high levels of client engagement, improves health care outcomes and enables providers to better measure a client’s recovery. Our award-winning and innovative programs help our clients reach lives of recovery, reconnect with their families and re-engage with their communities. As a health care organization, we work with primary care and other partners to support the holistic well-being of our clients.

Visually Speaking
https://www.visuallyspeaking.info
Visually Speaking is an innovative leader in teaching American Sign Language! Founded in 2002 in Seattle, Washington, Visually Speaking was one of the first companies to teach Baby Signing classes in the Puget Sound. Due to popular demand, we soon expanded our offerings to include toddlers, pre-school, and school-aged children. We are excited to have recently expanded our course offerings for adults to include more ASL 1 and 2 classes, as well as private lessons and immersive experiences. Visually Speaking is a Deaf owned and operated business with a special interest in spreading American Sign Language to all ages: from birth through adulthood.

Washington Advocates of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
https://www.wadhh.org 
Services and resources are provided to meet the needs of individuals of diverse backgrounds such as employment, housing, transportation, financial services, and communication accessibility. Tilikum commits to provide full communication accessibility for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and Hearing Loss Communities. Tilikum provides interpreter services, Social Events, Support Groups, Education and Outreach Services, Case Management Services, Information, and Referral, Assisted Listening Devices Program, Telecommunication Program (TED), and ASL classes.

Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
[360] 993-7822 V
[800] 737-0617 V
[360] 696-6787 TTY
https://www.dshs.wa.gov

Wendy B. Marlowe, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Neuropsychologist
[206] 623-5217 V/TTY
[206] 623-2337
wbmarlowe@comcast.net
http://www.wendymarlowephd.com

Western State Hospital
9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Building 18
Lakewood, WA 98498
[253] 582-8900 V
[253] 756-2879
wshinfo@dshs.wa.gov
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/bha


Associations and Organizations:

Washington Association of the Deaf
https://wsad.org
The mission of the Washington State Association of the Deaf is to promote, protect and preserve the rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the state of Washington.

Washington State Deaf Senior Citizens
Check Facebook
WSDSC serves as an advocate for the Deaf seniors by providing information and education programs designed to enhance their physical, economic and social well-being, and promote the common interests of Deaf seniors. Deaf senior citizens in the state of Washington receive the best possible communication access and benefits of any and all means of health, education and social support enriching their golden years.

Washington State Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf
https://wsrid.com
WSRID has the mission to educate, to support, and to promote the RID certification of interpreters and to inform the general public about the interpreting profession.

Washington State Deaf-Blind Citizens, Inc
http://www.wsdbc.org
WSDBC is to promote, protect, and preserve leadership, independence, communication access, and to advocate Deaf-Blind individuals in the state of Washington.

Seattle Deaf-Blind Services Center
http://seattledbsc.org
The Deaf-Blind Service Center provides communication support, crisis intervention, adaptive technology training and advocacy for those with combined vision and hearing loss. The program serves people throughout the state of Washington with varying degrees of visual and hearing losses, providing access to other Lighthouse programs, services within the community and appropriate referrals to agencies.

Cascadia Black Deaf Center 
https://www.cascadiabdc.co
The Cascadia Black Deaf Center promotes to identify, examine, and disseminate information related to the impact of social, economic, education, health, political and religious issue through the medium of panels, lectures, and workshops.

Deaf Seniors of America
https://deafseniors.us
Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) is a nonprofit organization that serves as an advocate for Deaf seniors by providing information and educational programs designed to enhance their physical, economic and social well-being and promote the common interests of Deaf seniors. We recognize that Deaf senior citizens have a unique community, language, and cultural needs. For these reasons, the golden years pose new challenges and experiences. Through providing resources and support, we endeavor to ensure communication access, health, education, and social support for all our members with the goal of a healthy and thriving Deaf senior citizen community.

Deaf Spotlight
https://www.deafspotlight.org
Deaf Spotlight inspires, encourages, and showcases creative works of, by, and for Deaf people in the Pacific Northwest through events that celebrate Deaf culture and American Sign Language.

Puget Sound Association of the Deaf
http://www.psadeaf.org
PSAD, founded in 1900, is one of the oldest Deaf Associations in the United States! PSAD is run by, of, and for diverse groups of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing people in Ballard, north of Seattle.

Northwest Washington Community of the Deaf
http://nwwcd.blogspot.com
NWWCD’s mission is to promote educational activities, social and personal enrichment, leadership abilities, just rights and privileges for individuals as well as introducing awareness of deaf culture and American Sign Language to society at large in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Northwest Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf
Check Facebook
NWRAD promotes solidarity and equality through advocacy and communication avenues to Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, queer and intersexual (LGBTQI) individuals.

Olympia Deaf Club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/222406774795594/
Local Deaf club based in Olympia and surrounding towns.

National Association of the Deaf
https://www.nad.org
The object of the Association shall be to preserve, protect, and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America.

National Black Deaf Advocates
https://www.nbda.org
National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) is the official advocacy organization for thousands of Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans. For more than three decades, NBDA has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts for civil rights and equal access to education, employment, and social services on behalf of the Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the United States.

National Asian Deaf Congress
http://www.nadcusa.org
NADC’s mission is to define and address the cultural, political and social issues experienced by Asians who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. NADC is strengthened by the diversity of its members and organizations that represent various geographic regions, languages, religions, cultures and generations. NADC will also strive to provide education, empowerment, and leadership for its respective members and organizations.

World Federation of the Deaf
http://wfdeaf.org
By promoting human rights and access to sign language, the WFD is improving the lives of millions of deaf people who face inequality every day. We collaborate with deaf leaders and policymakers to implement human rights mechanisms. The WFD also takes direct action by providing human rights training and representing deaf people’s interests on a global scale.

Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
www.TDIforAccess.org
TDI provides leadership and advocacy in achieving equal access to telecommunications, media, and information technologies for deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, and deaf-blind people. Jim House is the Board Member representing the West Region.


Deaf Religious Organizations:

New Hope Church of the Deaf
https://www.newhopedeaf.org
Deaf church in Shoreline, WA

Everett Deaf Church
https://everettdeafchurch.com
Nick LeFors, Jr has been pastoring the Everett Deaf Church since May 1986 in Everett, WA.

Spokane Deaf Church
https://www.facebook.com/spokanedeafchurch/
Church in Spokane Valley

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
puppaws529@gmail.com
Deaf church in Veradale, WA

Lighthouse Christian Center
https://www.lighthousehome.org/pages/find-community/deaf.html
Lighthouse has an active deaf community. Our ASL interpreted weekend service is Sunday at 9:00am. Check out the Deaf Women’s Bible Study, Deaf Coffee House, and Card Ministry.

Lighthouse Deaf Baptist Church
https://www.kjvchurches.com/churches/united-states/washington/seattle/lighthouse-deaf-baptist-church/
Lighthouse Deaf Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church in Seattle, Washington. The pastor is Lester Leckron.

Catholic

Jehovah’s Witnesses


Sports:

Washington Deaf Disc Golf Association
https://www.discgolfscene.com/clubs/Washington_Deaf_Disc_Golf_Association
We are a deaf disc golf association that welcomes everyone to participate in the upcoming local and national tournaments.

Northwest Association of Deaf Basketball
http://nwadb.org
NWADB creates an environment that is fun, educational and competitive. They help develop a strong work ethic, leadership skills, goal setting and values of teamwork. NWADB has helped prepare many sport teams and coaches to fulfill their dreams since founded in 1954.

Northwest Bowling Association of the Deaf
https://www.facebook.com/groups/991770660946535/


Education:

University of Washington ASL/Deaf Studies Program
Contact ASL Program Coordinator at lforshay@u.washington.edu
U.W. ASL Club: aslc@uw.edu
Online: http://aslc44.wix.com/uwaslclub
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/str/uw%20asl%20club/keywords_top
The American Sign Language (ASL) program is housed Department of Linguistics. ASL program offers a four-semester sequence of ASL designed to meet the undergraduate foreign language requirement of the university. All courses use an immersion method which prohibits the use of spoken language. Periodically, additional courses are offered to augment this program. These additional courses are offered on a semester to semester basis.

Washington State American Sign Language Teachers Association
https://wa-aslta.org
WAASLTA is a regional chapter of American Sign Language Teachers Association, the national certification organization of teachers of American Sign Language. WAASLTA serves as a professional development and networking organization for ASL teachers in Washington State.

Washington School for the Deaf
http://www.wsd.wa.gov
Washington School for the Deaf, a place where students who are deaf or hard of hearing including those with additional disabilities, have the opportunity to learn, grow and belong in a culture that optimizes individual potential and provides accessible language and communication across the curriculum. Our educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that all children who are deaf and hard of hearing deserve a quality language and communication-driven program that provides education together with a critical mass of communication, age, and cognitive peers, as well as language- proficient teachers and staff who communicate directly in the child’s language.

Edmonds School District for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
https://www.edmonds.wednet.edu/programs/deaf_and_hard_of_hearing___d_h_h_
The Edmonds School Districts Regional Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program pursues excellence for students in Deaf Education through visually accessible learning environments that promote literacy, problem solving skills, and academic and social growth in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Staff empower students to develop their intellectual, social and emotional potential to the fullest in order to function as a contributing member of today’s society. The program has Teachers of the Deaf working alongside highly trained para-educators providing American Sign Language, English and technological literacy with total dedication to the students. Additionally, this program provides support services staff (SLP, Counselor, Psychologist, and Hearing Therapists) trained in the field of Deafness. Students engage in safe learning environments that are designed to encourage equality and respect, utilizing a rigorous curriculum that meets the needs of the Common Core State Standards. The Edmonds Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is committed to on-going partnerships with families, communities and school districts.

Mount Tahoma High School Deaf/Hard of Hearing
https://www.tacomaschools.org/se/Pages/Mt–Tahoma-DHH.aspx
Students may either attend Mt. Tahoma High School, a comprehensive high school, or one of Tacoma’s specialized high schools if they qualify. Students receive IEP instruction from a teacher of the Deaf and participate in general education classes to meet graduation and elective requirements. Interpreters and FM systems are provided as appropriate to meet each student’s access needs. If the IEP team recommends services, students may continue to attend high school until age 21 to prepare them for the transition to adult living.

Northwest School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
https://www.northwestschool.com
Using Signing Exact English (S.E.E.) and oral communication we prepare deaf and hard-of-hearing children to be self-confident, articulate and academically competitive learners, and engaged community members.

Washington Hands & Voices
http://s406336064.initial-website.com/resources/american-sign-language-asl/
American Sign Language (ASL) users convey critical information with their hands through the use of handshapes, locations, movements, palm orientations and non-manual grammatical signals (eyes, face, head, shoulders). Providing full visual access to communication and language, ASL can convey subtle, complex, and abstract thoughts. In short, ASL can communicate anything.


Interpreting Services:

Hearing Speech and Deaf Center [HSDC]
https://www.hsdc.org/services/interpreting-services/
HSDC Interpreting Services is a centralized resource providing quality communication access for Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals across the Puget Sound and Washington State, including Seattle and King County, Tacoma and Pierce County, and Snohomish County.

All Hands Community Interpreting Services, LLC
http://www.allhandscis.com
Mission is to provide quality interpreters with excellent customer service. All Hands community interpreting services, LLC is a professional sign language interpreting agency that provides communication access to the Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing communities in Washington state.


News Announcements:

WSAD & The Pacific Northwest e-News
https://wsad.us19.list-manage.com/profile?u=1be3a2b0b0511096d8ca4bb30&id=b8d09ebf6e&e=c98bca8814
Email to join: enotifier.wsad@gmail.com
Washington State Association of the Deaf aka WSAD along with The Pacific Northwest [formerly Deaf Northwest News] share stories, news, videos and events that are happening in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest plus other states, regions and national news about any Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing.

Deaf Northwest News
https://www.facebook.com/DeafNW/

Puget Sound ASL Interpreted Events
https://www.facebook.com/DeafNW/

Daily Moth
https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyMoth/
https://www.dailymoth.com/blog
Top stories, Deaf news, and Deaf humor delivered to you in ASL with a Deaf host, Alex Abenchuchan.

Spokane Deaf Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/466745673453904/?fref=nf


ASL Resources:

The book most recommended by ASL teachers is called A Basic Course in American Sign Language which can be found on Amazon or in many book stores.

Here are some links to take you to websites where you can see pictures or videos of some signs.
http://www.handspeak.com/word/
http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi

If you learn best with lessons and more structure the site below helps ASL teachers prepare their lesson plans:
http://www.lifeprint.com/

American Sign Language Resource Guide
http://www.wiseoldsayings.com/asl-resource-guide.php

A great resource with tons of information covering a large range of topics in the deaf community and ASL:
https://www.wristbandexpress.com/content/Hands-and-Wrists-Learning-American-Sign-Language

An extensive page where you can find a lot of information about various deaf figures throughout history.
http://www.signs2gointerpreting.com/What_Can_Deaf_Do.html

American Society for Deaf Children
https://deafchildren.org/about/core-values/
The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is committed to empowering diverse families with deaf* children and youth by embracing full access to language-rich environments through mentoring, advocacy, resources, and collaborative networks.


Community Calendar of Events:

More events can also be found on ODHH’s community calendar of events
at: https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/odhhapps/eventofcalendar/EventofCalendar.aspx
There is also HSDC’s community calendar of events: https://hsdc.org/events/hsdc-community-calendar/

Any changes, updates, new information — you can email at enotifier.WSAD@gmail.com.

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