I Demand that the hearing impaired community not only be seen but heard NOW!

In the vast city of Los Angeles, where dreams collide and diversity thrives, there exists a network of 177 or perhaps even more group homes and boarding facilities. While this may seem commendable on the surface, a profound issue resides within these walls: not a single one of them caters to the needs of the hearing impaired. To the best of my knowledge, only two of these places have a meager provision of one or two employees who possess the beautiful language of A.S.L., American Sign Language.

Allow me to share with you a personal story that weighs heavy on my heart. I explained to the staff of one such establishment that my precious daughter, who is deaf, seeks solace by cocooning herself beneath her covers. A gentle tap on the footboard is all she requires to awaken from her slumber. However, instead of embracing this opportunity to make a small difference in her life, they claimed it to be an overwhelming burden and suggested that I find an alternative abode for her.

The truth is, my child has been shuffled from one place to another, from one group home to another, from boarding care to nursing homes, with a staggering count of twenty in the past two years alone. Can you fathom the emotional toll this has taken on her tender spirit? Each time she must adapt to unfamiliar faces, unfamiliar surroundings, and a profound lack of understanding.

Los Angeles, our vibrant city, must lend its compassionate hand to the hearing impaired community. We must open our eyes to the silent voices that seek to be heard. Let us bridge the communication gap and embrace the power of ASL, a language of grace and expression. We shall no longer allow their pleas to go unnoticed, for from this day forward, we pledge to stand as their allies, their advocates, their voice.

Together, let us create a Los Angeles where inclusion is not merely a buzzword but a resounding reality. Let us craft a city where every individual, regardless of their ability to hear, feels seen, cherished, and understood. It begins today, as we unite to champion the rights of the hearing impaired, speaking not just for them, but alongside them.