Many people who are Deaf find success and joy in life by creating a long-term plan.
Like anyone with a disability, it’s important for people with hearing loss or profound Deafness to connect with their communities, find gainful employment, and take care of their mental health.
In this article, Ability Central explores long-term support for people who are Deaf.
We answer questions like:
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover Deafness and hearing loss?
What other government assistance is available in the US for people who are Deaf?
What technologies are available to help Deaf and hard of hearing adults?
What mental health concerns affect people who are Deaf?
Where can I find Deaf support groups?
When is a long-term care option needed for someone who is Deaf?
Where can I get more information on Deafness and hearing loss?
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover Deafness and hearing loss?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not cover specific disabilities. Instead, it protects anyone with a disability that limits major life activities like hearing, seeing, or breathing.
People who are Deaf or hard of hearing generally meet the ADA’s requirements, although some forms of hearing loss may require extra proof of disability through things like doctors’ records.
People who use “mitigating measures” like hearing aids, cochlear implants, or sound amplifiers may still qualify for protection under the ADA.
To learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act and what it covers, see ADA Overview: What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act?
What other government assistance is available in the US for people who are Deaf?
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) lists resources available on the national and state level. These include:
A downloadable guide with phone numbers, contact information, and requirements for financial assistance for people with deafness or hearing loss
What technologies are available to help Deaf and hard of hearing adults?
Hearing technology goes well beyond hearing aids and cochlear implants. Adults with hearing loss and deafness also have access to the following:
Free or low-cost telephones through [Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Programs (TEDPs)
Telephone assistance through Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)
Assistive devices or assistive technology that help a person with hearing loss to hear and understand what is being said more clearly or to express thoughts more easily.
Alerting devices for everything from a baby crying to a smoke alarm sounding.
What mental health concerns affect people who are Deaf?
People who are Deaf or hard of hearing often have a higher risk of developing mental health conditions. Sometimes, this is because of social isolation, feeling like they don’t fit in, or struggling to understand and be understood by others.
Recent medical studies suggest that people who are Deaf are twice as likely to experience mental illness, compared to people with average hearing.
In one study, 41% of Deaf people surveyed said that their mental health worsened due to:
Communication problems, like a lack of ASL interpreters or difficulty lip-reading due to masks or facial hair
Social stigma and prejudice against people who are Deaf
Family stress
The most common mental health problems for people who are Deaf include:
Anxiety
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Substance abuse
Left untreated, these mental illnesses can lead to unpredictable behavior, suicidal ideation, or other dangerous symptoms.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) suggests working with a mental healthcare provider familiar with your preferred communication methods. That might mean finding a psychiatrist or therapist fluent in sign language or connecting with doctors over text or instant messaging.
Your insurance provider or a social service agency may be able to refer you to the right experts. Be sure to ask for recommendations from doctors who have experience working with people in the Deaf community.
Where can I find Deaf support groups?
With mental health difficulties so common in the Deaf community, it’s critical for people who are Deaf to find community connections, mental health care, and support from loved ones.
One of the best ways for people who are Deaf to find strength and connection is through a support group.
Check out resources like these to find a support group near you:
HLAA has chapters across the US. Connect with a local branch to find support groups and services in your area.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing has an online forum for discussion, advice, advocacy, and support.
Say What Club operates several newsletters and Facebook groups.
Ability Central’s Service Locator tool offers a searchable database of nonprofits all over the country offering support for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
When is a long-term care option needed for someone who is Deaf?
Sometimes routine activities like driving, taking walks, and running errands can present many dangers for an adult who lives alone and is unable to hear their surroundings.
Similarly, people living with additional health conditions like autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) may be overwhelmed trying to take care of themselves without being able to hear.
Long-term support options like assisted living facilities, home health care, or group homes may be helpful for people who are Deaf and need more immediate support. These service centers may offer:
Onsite medical care
Low-maintenance lifestyles with provided food, cleaning, or other convenient services
Mental health care and support groups
Social opportunities like clubs or community events
Unique therapies designed for seniors, certain disabilities, or people with changing needs
If you’re looking into Deaf support options, Deaf senior care, or long-term management for a hearing-related disability, Ability Central offers a database of nationwide services for people with disabilities looking for support options. Visit our Service Locator to start your search.
Where can I get more information on Deafness and hearing loss?
For more information on Deafness, see:
For more information on conditions related to Deafness, see:
In addition to the resources on our Portal, Ability Central offers a searchable database of nonprofits across the country. Use the [Service Locator tool](https://abilitycentral.org/services) to find an organization near you offering resources, programs, and support for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
