For people with hearing loss, social support, mental health services, and recreation are key to enjoying life to the fullest.
Hearing loss can be a frightening and isolating diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to be. Feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, or low self-confidence are common for people with hearing loss, especially those adjusting to their hearing loss as a new way of life.
The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted these feelings of isolation. Social distancing limited opportunities to connect with the community, while masks made it harder—or impossible—to lip-read.
One positive during this time was the growth of online social organizations, like ASL video call meetups and other virtual events for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Rising awareness and acceptance of mental health conditions also prompted an increase in online therapy and counseling services. And as the world continues to bounce back from the pandemic, new nonprofits and familiar organizations are offering more in-person and virtual programs for the Deaf community every day.
The Deaf community stretches around the globe, but did you know that an estimated 3 million of the USA’s Deaf population lives in California? In this article, we’ve collected just a few California-based organizations offering social, recreational, and mental health support opportunities for the Deaf community.
To find more organizations like these, including thousands of organizations outside of California, check out Ability Central’s Service Locator tool. This free, searchable database can help you find a nonprofit organization near you that offers programming and other support for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Where can I find support for hearing loss?
In the meantime, here are just a few California organizations offering support for people who are deaf or hard of hearing:
Hearing Loss Association of America, California State Association (HLAA-CA)
The Hearing Loss Association of America, California State Association (HLAA-CA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, support and advocacy for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Chapters meet monthly or more for social and educational events.
In Northern California, there are chapters in Walnut Creek, Oakland, Napa, Redwood City, San Francisco, and San Jose.
Deaf Community Counseling Services (DCCS)
Previously known as the UCSF Centre on Deafness, Deaf Community Counseling Services (DCCS) is dedicated to empowering the deaf and hard of hearing individuals to live self-sufficient lives. DCCS provides mental health services and support for people of all ages who have hearing loss, deafness, or deaf-blindness, as well as their families.
The counseling services address depression, anxiety, adjustment reactions, stress, family problems and other issues. The offices are in Berkeley, San Francisco and San Leandro.
Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA)
The Deaf Counseling Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) is a nonprofit organization supported by the California Department of Social Services. Its goal is to provide communication access assistance, career services, referral services, and more.
Orange County Deaf Equal Access Foundation (OC DEAF)
The Orange County Deaf Equal Access Foundation (OC DEAF) is a nonprofit organization that works to support people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf blind.
OC/LA American Sign Language (ASL) Practice and Social
The OC/LA American Sign Language Practice and Social on Meetup is based in Long Beach. It is a group with nearly 700 members who meet to chat and practice ASL. If you are fluent, you are welcome to attend and share. If you are learning, this is a great way to get more proficient. The group has online and in-person events.
Where can I get more information about hearing loss?
For more information, see Ability Central’s articles on:
Looking for more? Check out the Service Locator tool
If you live outside of California or want to find even more hearing loss support organizations near you, check out the Ability Central Service Locator tool. This free, searchable database can connect you with nonprofits all over the country offering services for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind.
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.
