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A Deaf-led nonprofit organization

Empowering the Deaf Community

The U.S. Based Deaf Action Foundation (USBDAF) is a Deaf-led nonprofit organization committed to empowering Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and late-deafened individuals through accessible education, workforce development, vocational skills training, employment preparation, leadership development, advocacy, and community support.

Every Deaf person deserves equal access to opportunity, meaningful employment, education, entrepreneurship, creative expression, and the resources needed to live an independent and fulfilling life.

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Our Mission

Creating Opportunities. Strengthening Communities.

USBDAF works to reduce barriers and create pathways to greater independence, economic opportunity, inclusion, and self-determination.

Through workshops, training, advocacy, community programs, employment support, and partnerships, we connect individuals with the knowledge, skills, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their goals — on their own terms.

Learn about USBDAF

Our Purpose

What we stand for

Five commitments guide everything we do.

  • Equal access to education

    Learning environments where Deaf individuals can fully participate and thrive.

  • Meaningful employment

    Preparation and pathways toward work that reflects each person's talents.

  • Independent living

    Supporting self-determination and the freedom to shape one's own life.

  • Leadership & entrepreneurship

    Building confidence to lead, create, and launch new ideas.

  • Inclusion & advocacy

    Ensuring Deaf voices are present in the decisions that affect them.

What We Do

Building Skills. Opening Doors.

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Education & Skills Development

Learning that is accessible from the very first moment

Accessible education, practical skills, and lifelong learning are the foundation of opportunity. When learning happens in a language and environment that works for Deaf people, confidence follows.

Skills-building opportunities help Deaf individuals explore career options, discover new strengths, and pursue their personal and professional goals with clarity and independence.

Employment & Economic Empowerment

Creating Pathways to Opportunity

We focus on employment preparation, vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment — helping Deaf individuals build the readiness, skills, and confidence to pursue meaningful work or create their own path.

  • Employment preparation
  • Vocational skills
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Economic empowerment
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Community members seated in a circle during a leadership discussion

Leadership, Advocacy & Inclusion

“Nothing about us without us.”

Deaf leadership matters. We support leadership development, Deaf rights, disability advocacy, and accessibility — so Deaf people participate equally and their voices shape the decisions that affect the community.

Arts & Community

Celebrating Creativity. Connecting Communities.

Arts, crafts, and creative expression give people a place to share their abilities, try something new, and connect with others. Community events bring those connections to life — strengthening friendships and a shared sense of belonging.

Adults painting and shaping pottery together at a community art workshop

Who We Support

Many experiences. One community.

The Deaf community is not one uniform group. We welcome people of every background, identity, and communication journey — committed to greater access, inclusion, independence, and opportunity for all.
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  • Deaf individuals
  • Hard of Hearing individuals
  • Late-deafened individuals
  • Deaf immigrants
  • Deaf communities of color
  • Families & community supporters

Community & Partnerships

Stronger Together

Employers, volunteers, community partners, families, and supporters all play a part in building more accessible and inclusive communities. When we work together, opportunity reaches further.

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Get Involved

Be part of a community committed to access, opportunity, and inclusion.

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Support Our Mission

Help support efforts to expand opportunities and strengthen the Deaf community.

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Together, we can create greater access, opportunity, and inclusion for the Deaf community.

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