Deaf411, New York, a deaf-oriented marketing and public relations company, has released the final report and results of a year-long survey on which cities are considered “deaf friendly,” says the company.
The “Deaf Friendly Cities” report, which includes 20 US cities and a narrative of a selected city from each of four US regions, lists community resources and photos representing situations that are considered “deaf friendly” to deaf consumers and travelers.
The report was based on compilation of data through a publicity campaign and launch of a mini Web site with an online survey targeted at deaf consumers who use sign language, says the company. More than 3,700 people from all 50 states and territories completed the intensive survey, says the company. Based on the responses received during the 1-year project, Deaf411 selected five cities in each of four regions and continued research.
Through use of diagrams in the report, a perspective is provided with a comparison of the ethnic populations and people with disabilities within the population. For example, the population of Americans with hearing loss, when compared to other minority groups, is smaller than the African American population but is larger than the Asian population, says the company.
The term hearing loss is broad and applies to people with varying degrees and onset of hearing loss ranging from born deaf to late deafened senior citizens, says the company, adding that there are 37,215,000 Americans with hearing loss, according a 2006 National Health Interview Survey by the National Center for Health Statistics.
The company noted several reasons for launching the project, such as providing deaf consumers with criteria and other considerations when they consider relocating or visiting a location; to equip businesses and agencies with increased awareness on the needs of deaf consumers or employees; and to increase exposure and sensitivity among mainstream society.
[Source: Deaf411]
