Try joining in signing/silent suppers. These meetups are often hosted at restaurants or coffee shops. Besides these social events, look for other cultural functions that are enjoyed by the deaf community. Check Schools for the Deaf: See if there are schools for the deaf in your area.

Why are deaf events important?

“Deaf culture is important because it allows individuals to be who they are,” OBanion explained, “and live in a way that is unique to them. Theres more to a person than whether or not they can hear, so dont just focus on their ears.”

How big is the deaf community?

Across all age groups, approximately 600,000 people in the United States (0.22% of the population, or 2.2 per 1,000) are deaf; more than half are over 65 years of age. About 6,000,000 people (2.2%) report having a lot of trouble hearing with, again, more than half over 65 years of age.