Signatures Needed: Building NASW-CA Deaf Social Worker Council

When people think about accessibility, they often think about interpreters, captions, or accommodations. While those things are important, true accessibility also requires Deaf voices to be present where decisions are being made.

That belief is what led me and my fellow California State University, San Bernardino social work student, Mireya Carranco, to launch a petition to establish the first-ever Deaf Social Workers Council within the National Association of Social Workers California Chapter (NASW-CA).

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), I bring the perspective of someone who has spent a lifetime watching Deaf family and friends navigate systems that were not built with them in mind. Mireya brings the perspective of someone who has lived those experiences firsthand as a Deaf woman and future social worker. While our experiences are different, they are connected by a common belief: Deaf individuals deserve representation, accessibility, and a seat at the table when decisions affecting their lives are made. I have spent my entire life witnessing the barriers Deaf individuals face when trying to navigate healthcare, education, housing, employment, and social service systems. Too often, Deaf perspectives are missing from conversations about policies and practices that directly affect the Deaf community.

The proposed Deaf Social Workers Council through NASW would create a dedicated space for Deaf social workers, Deaf advocates, CODAs, and allies to collaborate, mentor future professionals, identify systemic barriers, and promote culturally responsive social work practices throughout California.

This initiative is particularly meaningful because it was developed by students who recognized a gap and decided to take action. Rather than waiting for change, we chose to help create it.

Our goal is simple: ensure that Deaf professionals have a voice within the profession and that Deaf communities are represented by individuals who understand their language, culture, and lived experiences.

We are currently seeking signatures from NASW California members to help move this initiative forward. Every signature brings us one step closer to creating a statewide network that can advocate for greater accessibility, equity, and inclusion within social work.

Whether this council becomes a reality tomorrow or a year from now, one thing is certain: the need exists, and the Deaf community deserves representation.

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, and supported this effort.

Together, we are building something that has never existed before.

Jasmine Penn

Founder, Deaf Access Now