Because communication connects people.
Since 1975, we’ve worked to empower Deaf and hearing people so that they succeed, together.
What can we do for you?
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Connect Direct can support your organization’s efforts to create a successful call center program within your Customer Service Department to effectively provide customer service in ASL to your deaf customers.
Featured News
Introducing the CSD Unites Community Foundation
CSD Unites Community Foundation dreams of working collaboratively with deaf-led organizations and communities to achieve long-term and widespread impact.
5 Ways Deaf People Made 2020 Great
while the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our community, talented deaf people have also provided us with some of the biggest bright spots of 2020. Check out five ways deaf representation changed 2020 for the better.
Communication Service for the Deaf Turns 45
Since 1975, we’ve remained committed to showing the world the incredible potential that deaf people bring. Check out this video of some of the highlights of the past 45 years.
Deaf Businesses Holiday Gift Guide 2020
Written By______Support Deaf-Owned Businesses The holiday season is upon us...
CSD of South Dakota: Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global effort to raise funds for communities and organizations. Find out how you can participate with CSD of South Dakota.
Comcast’s Continued Commitment to Accessibility
As part of their ongoing commitment to accessibility, Comcast has figured out a way to provide fully inclusive customer support assistance to their Deaf and hard-of-hearing customers. To this day, he said, there are no language interpreters at White House press briefings.
“We’ve seen a lot of mayors, a lot of governors that have included that practice momentarily and have been very responsive,” Soukup told Cheddar. “We’ve had some challenges in creating that same awareness in the White House.”
Mozzeria D.C. to Open on September 4th, 2020
Mozzeria, an award-winning pizzeria and San Francisco’s first Deaf-owned and -operated restaurant, will open its second location at 1300 H Street, NE at 11am EDT on September 4th, 2020. Carry-out service will be available to customers, who can order online via Mozzeria’s website or upon visiting the restaurant
Rock the Vote Celebrates the ADA
Last night, SignVote partnered with Rock the Vote and several other organizations to host a livestream event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The star-studded event was co-hosted by Shoshannah Stern and Melissa Elmira Yingst and featured celebrities, activists, elected officials, and performers that representing the breadth of the disability community.
The Americans with Disability Act at 30: Policy, Bias, the BIPOC Disability Community
CSD has always been an organization that pushes for progress. As our CEO Chris Soukup said in his open letter regarding the #BlackLivesMatter (BLM) movement, “We have much to learn and work to do to dismantle oppressive social and political systems that deserve no place in our world.”
Over the past 60 days, new concerns and problems have impacted our communities as a result of the pandemic. Because of this, Comcast has revisited and updated their commitment to support the community during these uncertain times.
7 Times Resistance Changed American History
Happy Pride Month! 50 years ago, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer) communities could not live as openly as they do today without fear of harassment. Back then, members of these communities had a few places such as bars where they could socialize and feel safe. However, these establishments were subjected to frequent harassment by police. But thanks to the fearless bravery of Black (and white), trans and bisexual womxn, many more LGBTQ+ community members can now show the world that they’re proud to be who they are!
From the Desk of the CEO; Black Lives Matter
CEO Chris Soukup shares a message in solidarity to CSD employees and to the community concerning the Black Lives Matter movement.
Unites Foundation COVID-19 Micro-Grant Recipients
The Unites Foundation is proud to support non-profit organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19. This includes organizations that are currently struggling with resources, funding shortages, or adapting their services in response to the pandemic. This week, CSD announced the six organizations within the deaf community that will receive these micro-grants to support their efforts.
From the Desk of the CEO
It was impossible to predict all the ways in which COVID 19 would change our world in just six weeks. It is even more challenging to estimate when and how this crisis will end. We all have many questions about our future—those answers are not yet known and will be gradually revealed to us over time.
COVID-19 Relief Funds
Are you an organization that is struggling with resources, managing funds, or adapting your services as a result of COVID-19? Then you may be eligible for funding through the Unites Foundation’s new micro-grant
COVID-19 ASL Hotline
– Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) and its Connect Direct division
announced today the launch of a new coronavirus hotline for the deaf community made available through its
ASL Now platform. CSD’s free hotline brings the deaf community important and accessible information on
COVID-19 in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English.
Our Services
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community
Empower your Students
Teaching your Deaf students about personal finance? Use our free Toolkits to prepare for class instruction!
Build your Business
Expand your business with CSD SVF. We have the resources you need to grow to the next level!
Join our Team
We’re always looking for fun and talented people to join our community.
Businesses & Organizations
Hire Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employees
Use our free eGuides to help create an inclusive and communication-friendly environment where everyone thrives.
Enhance your Students’ Experiences
Download our free, deaf-friendly Teacher Toolkits, and start using them in your classroom right away.
Improve your Customer Service Experience
93% of deaf customers agree: we want customer service in ASL. Does your business offer this service, or are you leaving an $86B market untapped?
ASL Now Covid-19 Hotline
Need clear, accessible information about COVID-19? Call our hotline to get your questions answered, real-time in ASL. It’s free!
SignVote 2020
Making election information accessible in ASL. Because we all should have a voice.
CSD is a constellation of companies that provide products, programs, and services that are designed to create opportunities for deaf people to succeed.
We believe that success, however one chooses to define it, fosters change in public perception about who deaf people are and what they are capable of contributing to society. We also believe that disability is diversity and that deaf identities should be valued and celebrated as a condition of being that adds color and texture to our world.
Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD
