D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Leadership in Disability Justice Organizing

The Disability Justice movement is multifaceted and includes countless organizations working across many communities and issue areas. Through Third Wave’s work of supporting grantees of the Disability Frontlines Fund, we have also learned that the movement can feel siloed for many. 

On the last day of Disability Pride Month, we corresponded with Deaf Abused Women Network (DAWN), a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and transformative justice-based agency that provides multi-faceted services to the survivors and the community. DAWN provides direct services and education addressing power-based violence, and their mission is to promote healthy relationships and reduce abuse in the Deaf community in the Washington D.C. area.

Read on to learn more about DAWN’s work and follow their work on social media, and support them directly by donating to their organization. You can also support the ongoing resourcing work of the Disability Frontlines Fund at Third Wave Fund by becoming a sustainer.

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Third Wave Fund: Can you speak to the different ways your organization experiences and/or interacts with the larger disability justice movement ecosystem?

DAWN: The Deaf Abused Women Network (DAWN) interacts with the larger disability justice movement through advocacy, collaboration, and service provision. By pushing for inclusive policies, forming partnerships with other organizations, and participating in awareness campaigns, DAWN ensures that the unique needs of Deaf abused women are recognized and addressed. Additionally, DAWN's involvement in conferences and workshops fosters greater understanding and solidarity within the movement, while its efforts to make services accessible set a standard for inclusivity.

DAWN also plays a crucial role in community building and increasing visibility for Deaf people who experience violence. Through support groups, mentorship programs, and media storytelling, DAWN creates a sense of community and raises awareness about the experiences of Deaf survivors. By contributing to research and data collection, DAWN informs policy and advocacy efforts, ensuring a data-driven approach to addressing these issues. Encouraging Deaf folks to take on leadership roles within the disability justice movement further amplifies their voices and perspectives, promoting a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to justice for all individuals with disabilities.

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TWF: What is your “call to action” for funders and other disability justice organizers who do not work primarily with D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind communities to know?

DAWN: It is essential to recognize and address the unique challenges these groups face. Allocate dedicated resources to organizations like DAWN and ensure your funding criteria explicitly cater to these communities. Forge partnerships with specialized organizations to share resources, knowledge, and strategies, and invest in training your staff and partners in sign language, cultural competency, and accessible communication methods. Additionally, make sure that grant applications are accessible for Deaf individuals to apply and navigate, incorporating features such as sign language interpretation, easy-to-read formats, and clear instructions.

Support policy advocacy efforts that aim to remove barriers and create equitable opportunities for D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals. Ensure their voices and experiences are represented in your campaigns, media, and leadership to raise awareness and foster greater inclusion within the broader disability justice movement. Your commitment to these actions will help create a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their hearing status.

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TWF: What parts of your community, your work, or your organization’s journey would you like to celebrate this Disability Pride Month?

DAWN: This Disability Pride Month, DAWN celebrates the empowerment of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind survivors of abuse, and our significant strides in increasing service accessibility and achieving advocacy successes that benefit the Deaf community. We also honor our new partnerships with other disability justice organizations, the expansion of our training programs, and our efforts to increase visibility and representation of Deaf women in the broader disability justice movement. These achievements highlight our commitment to building a supportive, inclusive community and advancing towards a more just and equitable society.