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EVERYONE HAS A VOICE AT GULFSTREAM GOODWILL INDUSTRIES’ DEAF FORUM

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ Deaf Services Program held a second Deaf Forum on Wednesday, June 22 at the agency’s headquarters in West Palm Beach. Nearly 50 individuals from the Deaf and hard of hearing community attended the forum to discuss progress and future plans for the program.

Topics addressed were the need for stronger compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the areas of housing, municipal communication and transportation, rent vouchers, employment and job coaching, and programs for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“Eighty percent of people who are deaf are not working across the United States … and living on Social Security,” said Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Deaf Services specialist Allan Karp.

As for children who are deaf or hard of hearing, while Florida has one of the highest Deaf populations, the state has only one school for the Deaf, located in St. Augustine. There is a lack of programs for deaf children in Palm Beach County.

“I’m concerned that there is not enough [of a] kid-friendly Deaf community. I’d like to encourage for more events for the Deaf/hard of hearing children to get involved,” said Deaf Forum attendee Ivy Berry.

At the close of the Deaf Forum, participants shared their concerns, hopes and success stories.

Gulfstream Goodwill Industries plans to host ongoing Deaf Forums to engage the Deaf community by offering a third Deaf Forum in early 2017.