Equity at CSD

At CSD, we believe in working towards an equitable and just world. We understand that this begins with an individual and collective effort to dismantle structural oppression and systems. This begins with our daily actions, and at CSD, we are committed to learning, listening, and pushing for progress over the long term.

Why Equity

Who We Are

Areas of Focus

People standing in a conference room with the focus on one woman smiling and raising her hand

Why Equity Matters

At CSD, we’re not just a deaf organization – we’re a people organization. Our goal is to improve people’s lives.

Since our very first beginnings in a broom closet office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, our goal has been to connect people so that they can thrive, together.

In this spirit, we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure equity for everyone. We are unwavering in our resolve to build an equitable world and see people thrive in the context of their varied identities across race, disability, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience.

We’re doing our best to get it right, even though we know we may get it wrong at times. We’re out to transform ourselves, our community, and our world, even though we know lasting change takes time.

Read on to learn how we’re doing the work. We invite you to join us on our journey.

Who We Are

Here’s who we are, today. Visit our career page for an opportunity to become a part of our tomorrow.

CSD Overall

CSD National

CSD Call Centers

%

Female

%

Male

White 46.6% 46.6%
Black / African American 28.3% 28.3%
Hispanic & Latino 12.8% 12.8%
Two + Races 4.9% 4.9%
Asian 2.6% 2.6%
American Indian or Alaska Native .6% .6%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander .2% .2%

Female

Male

White 69.7% 69.7%
Black / African American 7.6% 7.6%
Asian 6.1% 6.1%
Two + Races 6.1% 6.1%
Hispanic & Latino 3% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1.5% 1.5%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0% 0%

Female

Male

White 45.2% 45.2%
Black / African American 30.4% 30.4%
Hispanic & Latino 13.1% 13.1%
Two + Races 4.6% 4.6%
Asian 2.4% 2.4%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0.6% 0.6%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.2% 0.2%

Two women standing in front of a white board, smiling and holding up two post-it notes each

The CSD Board of Directors has an Equity Committee that oversees our overall equity efforts. Our Internal and External Working Groups, which are made up of diverse CSD team members, help guide our priorities and work. Our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Employee Resource Groups for both ASL and non-ASL users, are a safe place for our BIPOC employees.

Our Main Areas of Focus

Discrimination
and Racial Inequity

The social systems we live in actively marginalize and oppress Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. We’re educating ourselves on how we contribute to these systems, and how we can change for the better.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Read CEO Chris Soukup’s statement on Black Lives Matter here.

JUNETEENTH

Earlier this year, CSD commemorated Juneteenth as a “day on” – a day of learning, listening, and celebration. Find more information and resources on our blog.

Economic Disparity

Far too many people lack adequate income, cannot find employment, and have little to no wealth, and as a result, do not have decent housing, health care, or education. We’re committed to changing this.

Illustration of a group meeting on a lap top

Seeking personal finance resources for D/HH learners? Check out CSD Learns’ resources in ASL and English!

Learn about how our partner, Caring Works, is supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who are experiencing homelessness.

Learn how CSD Social Venture Fund is supporting deaf businesses and creating deaf jobs.

Access to Language
and Communication

Far too many D/HH individuals go through life with limited access to language and communication. It’s time to make sure that ALL individuals have the language foundation and communication tools needed to succeed.

Looking for ASL resources about what’s on the federal ballot, misinformation and disinformation, and other topics related to the election? Check out SignVote here!

Questions about COVID-19 and how to keep you and your family safe? Call our ASL NOW COVID-19 hotline today.

Lack of Representation

We’re working to ensure that individuals in local, state, and federal government, educational institutions, workplaces, and community organizations reflect the people they serve.

Illustration of three people working on a website

Check out the latest toolkit from CSD Learns, which spotlights career paths blazed by diverse D/HH role models. Inspire your K-12 students to become trailblazers theselves!

Through SignVote, we’re ensuring D/HH needs are represented at the polls.

Through CSD Unites, we’re amplifying organizations like the Deaf Queer Resource Center, one of the many community organizations seeking to empower and bring more visibility to marginalized Deaf Communities.

Digital Divide

More than ever, we learn, socialize, and look for work online. Yet many households still do not have reliable internet access or enough devices for everyone. We’re getting people connected.