Deaf Youth Virtual Support Group

Deaf and hard of hearing teens have rates of depression and anxiety that some studies have shown to be up to four times higher than their hearing peers. The majority of the people Deaf Dome serves are Deaf adults; most of us on the board were once Deaf teenagers. We know the sense of isolation that comes with being the only DHH (Deaf or hard of hearing) person in a given group, whether that group is family, academic, extracurricular, or simply a friend group. We see the lack of opportunities for kids now to socialize with other DHH peers. 

While we can't bring back the social structures of our recent past, we CAN provide an opportunity for them to meet virtually. We have been exploring the legal and ethical structures that need to be in place for this to start, and are ready to build the framework. 

Deaf teens (and tweens) deserve to have a space where they can freely express their frustrations and joys without having to explain everything around that about their experiences in a hearing world.

We are excited to be the adults we all needed as DHH kids... and offer the opportunity for connection we all craved.