Online Communities for Deaf Asian and Pacific Islanders

Written By

CSD

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Apr, 2020

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Online Communities for Deaf Asian and Pacific Islanders

May 1st marks the start of Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month. There are 22.2 million Americans of Asian descent and around 1.6 million Pacific Islanders in the United States. This is just over 6% of the total U.S. population! Asian and Pacific Americans are a very diverse group. Their cultural ties reach over 70 different countries!

This celebration was first established by Congress in 1977. Back then, it was Asian and Pacific American Heritage (APAH) Week. President George W. Bush expanded it to a full month in 1990 – and has been reaffirmed by every president since.

There are several reasons why we celebrate APAH month in May. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese people immigrated to the United States. Additionally, the majority of railroad workers in the 1800’s were Chinese immigrants. They helped to complete the transcontinental railroad in May 1869.

Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) have played an important role in U.S. history, which we want to celebrate! Learn more at these websites:

Many Deaf APIs are making a difference in our community. Here is a list of online communities where Deaf APIs can connect. Scroll down for a list of amazing Deaf API vloggers!

*The majority of these Facebook groups are public. Be sure to read the rules and conditions before requesting to join (RTJ). As always, be respectful.

National/Global Communities for Deaf APIs

National Asian Deaf Congress

National Asian Deaf Congress was established in 1998 to promote cultural and ethnic pride for the empowerment of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Asians, their families and prospective communities

Asian Signers

The mission of this group is to bring the recognition of sign language users who are Asian and to share signed videos publicly of its culture, literature, and more.

Deaf Asian Connection

This group connects Deaf Asians from the North, South, West, and East. Followers discuss culture, food, deaf events and other social gatherings.

Deaf Asia (RTJ)

Deaf Asia is a closed Facebook group that unites people across Asia and the globe to connect and share stories, resources, and more.

Regional Communities for Deaf APIs

East Coast

West Coast

Greater Washington Asian Deaf Association

GWADA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates for the interests of the Asian Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Bay Area Asian Deaf Association

BAADA members use a range of communication modes including American Sign Language (ASL) and their native sign languages from Asia countries. Many BAADA members come from a home in which English is not the first language and bring to the program the language and culture of their Asian country.

Metro South Asian Deaf Association

MSADA is an organization of deaf people from South Asian countries. They aim to promote personal and social progress, share the diverse cultures of the South Asian region and cooperate with deaf people from other developing countries. The organization is dedicated to personal, economic, technological, social, and cultural growth, emphasizing collective self-reliance and increasing deaf awareness.

Southern California Asian Deaf Association

SCADA is working to build Asian-American cultural awareness for a growing population in Southern California (Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Fernando Valley, and etc.) of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals whose ancestry are traced back to China, Japan, Korea, South East Asia, and many other Asian countries. Individuals are able to explore their self-identity as they learn more about their own culture.

Metropolitan Asian Deaf Association

MADA is a community organization serving the Deaf Asian Community in the New York Metropolitan Area. You can check out their events and connect with others on their Facebook page.

Aloha State Association of the Deaf

Aloha State Association of the Deaf, known as ASAD Hawai`i, is a nonprofit organization that aims to strive and meet its objectives in serving the deaf/hard of hearing people in the State of Hawai`i.

There are even more ways you can celebrate Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month.

In addition to learning API history, show your support for the Deaf API community by following them online and listening to what their community has to say. As for me, here are some of my favorite API vloggers you should definitely check out: