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

Female

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

Female

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.


One in four South Dakotans do not have adequate internet access. Our partners in South Dakota is changing that.






#thisisCSD. Join us.





