Online Communities for Deaf Hispanics and Latino/a/xs
Online Communities for Deaf Hispanics and Latino/a/xs
** When writing this blog, we had many conversations about which term to use. As you will see below, community organizations use various terms to define themselves. “Latinx” was developed over 20 years ago as a gender-neutral term and an alternative to “Latino.” Use of “Latinx” is still controversial within the Latin American community. This survey shows that “Latinx” isn’t used by the majority of the Hispanic/Latino population. For the purposes of this blog, we’ve decided to use Latino/a/x. However, we have used the original language used by each organization below to describe itself and its members.
Are you from Hispanic or Latino/a/x descent? How do you identify yourself? Tell us on social media @ThisIsCSD!
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us in celebrating the contributions Hispanic and Latino/a/x Americans have made to our society and culture. Today there are over 60 million people identify as Hispanic in the U.S.
Congress first established this celebration in 1968. The month-long observance starts on September 15 and ends on October 15 because many historic events fall within this period. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile all celebrate their independence days during this month.
Hispanic and Latino/a/x Americans have played important roles in U.S. History and continue to shape our country in meaningful ways. Learn more here:
Unsure of the difference between the word Hispanic and Latino/a/x? Check this out:
Hispanic refers to a person from or a descendant of someone from a Spanish-speaking country. This can include Latino/a/x individuals with cultural ties to Spain, Mexico, most of Central and South America, and the Caribbean’s Spanish-speaking nations.
Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person from or a descendant of someone from a Spanish or Portuguese-speaking country in Latin America.
Here are some examples:
- Someone from Spain is Hispanic, but not Latino/a/x. Someone from Equatorial Guinea in Western Africa is Hispanic, but not Latino/a/x!
- Someone from Brazil, where they speak Portuguese, is Latino/a/x, but not Hispanic.
- Someone from Mexico is both Hispanic and Latino/a/x.
- Three South American countries are neither Hispanic nor Latino/a/x! In Guyana, residents speak English. In Suriname, they speak Dutch, and in French Guiana, they speak (you guessed it…) French.
Online Communities for Hispanic, Latino/a/x DDBDDHHLD People and Allies
Many Hispanic and Latino/a/x Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened people are making a difference in our community. Keep reading to find lists of online communities where Hispanic, Latino/a/x, and allies can connect at the following levels:
*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 Communities for Deaf HLD
Council de Manos
Empowers Latinx Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened (DDBDDHHLD) through social justice awareness, educational, self-advocacy, and leadership training Council de Manos aims to educate the community about the lives of Latinx DDBDDHHLD and their families.
National Hispanic Latino Association of the Deaf
NHLAD aims to build an alliance between Deaf Latino and the Hispanic community by preserving our language, culture & customs. They focus on community empowerment through the promotion of leadership and education in the Hispanic and Latino community.
Mano a Mano
An organization of ASL/Spanish/English trilingual interpreters ~ Una organización de intérpretes trilingües (ASL/Español/Inglés)
Regional Communities for Deaf HLD
Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association of the Metropolitan DC Area
This group is comprised of Latino Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons that want to see LDHH people have equal rights and access to succeed in the Metropolitan Washington (D.C., MD, and V.A.) Area.
California Manos del Corazón
Founded in 1996, California Manos del Corazón js, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Latinx Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened communities in the state of California.
Manos de Tejas
Manos de Tejas brings together Deaf Latinx communities of Texas in Austin, TX. They share resources on issues pertaining to the Hispanic and Latino population in the U.S. as well as regional events for local Deaf Latinx in Texas. #ReclaimKnowledge
Illinois Deaf Latino Association
Promote leadership, education, network, and preservation of the right and quality of life of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Latino/a individual in Illinois.
New England Latino Deaf Association
NELDA is a progressive organization working to grow Latino Deaf & Hard of Hearing power, Individual & Systemic Advocacy by increasing Latino Deaf representation at every level of the Deaf Community and building a base of Latino Deaf Resources in New England.
New Mexico Mano a Mano
New Mexico Mano a Mano (NMMaM) is an organization that supports the education and professional development of trilingual interpreters in New Mexico and beyond.
Raíces del Rio Grande
Raíces del Rio Grande’s vision is to strengthen the Latinx Deaf and Hard of Hearing community by providing necessary resources and promoting leadership and awareness.
Collegiate Communities for Deaf HLD
RIT Latin American Deaf Club
This org. educates and increases cultural awareness among deaf students. They also host events focused on cultural enrichment, participate in community service projects, and more
Deaf Hispanic/Latino/a/x Alumni of RIT/NTID
This group offers a network for alumni to encourage a stronger connection with each other and be a supportive resource for current students at NTID/RIT.
Latinx Student
Union
The Latinx Student Union (LSU) at Gallaudet operates to promote cultural, social, and community awareness and representation of the Deaf Latinx and Latinx communities.
Resource Groups for Deaf HLD
Deaf Latinos y Familias Organization
This organization provides resources, free family ASL classes to family members of DHH children, workshops, and events to integrate Latino family history, traditions, and values into their lives.
The Hidden Gems of Deaf Latinx
This group spreads awareness of Deaf Latinx experiences related to obstacles they have overcome to succeed. They provide a safe space to share stories about, or inspired, by Deaf Latinx.
California Latinx Deaf Advocate
This is a non-profit advocacy organization for the California Latinx Deaf population. Join this group to find resources, stories, and educational content for the Deaf Latinx community in California
Community Forums for Deaf HLD
Deaf Hispanic Latino Community
Private Group for Deaf Latino community.
Deaf Latino
Community
Private Group for Deaf Latino community.
TSID Trilingual SIG
Support group for multi-lingual students, interpreters & teachers.
Events for Deaf HLD
Council de Manos Virtual Conference 2021
The Council de Manos Latinx Heritage Month virtual conference is an opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage that they cherish, as expressed through Latinx culture, language, and the arts.This month, you will see videos created by members of the Council de Manos Board of Directors, including pre-recorded videos as well as a display of Web Art. Follow them on social media to stay up to date on weekly events.
Camp Sol of the Deaf Virtual workshops
The theme for Camp Sol for the Deaf’s inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month is “Renew, Reinvest, Restart”. Deaf Latino and Hispanic students who register will have the opportunity to virtually meet a panel of Deaf Hispanic/Latino presenters to explore their own identities, develop positive self-esteem, and become leaders within the Deaf Hispanic/Latino Community. Camp Sol also welcomes parents of Deaf children of all ages to meet their organization of Deaf role models. Additionally they will have visual and artistic leadership events showcasing Hispanic Heritage and Culture.
Register the whole family today!
Deaf Latino Cruise 2023
Several deaf organizations are organizing a cruise for Deaf Latinos in 2023. To access the details as to where and who’s going, you can request to join the group.
Be advised that entry into the group is at the discretion of the group administrators. Always be kind and respectful when requesting to join.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Not sure how to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Here are four great ways to start:
- Educate yourself on Hispanic and Latino/a/x history and culture
- Explore the delicious array of cuisines
- Learn Spanish and/or regional sign languages
- Follow Facebook pages and influencers from the community
This post was edited on September 19, 2022 to add more resources.
Happy Hispanic and Latino/a/x Heritage Month!
Do you know of any other online communities or accounts for the Hispanic & Latino/a/x Deaf Communities?
Message us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, or tag @ThisisCSD while using the hashtag #HispanicLatino/a/xDeafCommunity.
We look forward to learning more from you.