Why Deaf Access Now?

Deaf Access Now began as an idea long before it became an organization. Before there was a website, a logo, or a mission statement, there was simply my life as the firstborn child of two Deaf parents.

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), American Sign Language was my first language and Deaf culture was my first community. From a very young age, I found myself helping my parents navigate systems that were not designed with them in mind. I interpreted housing appointments, school meetings, phone calls, and paperwork long before I fully understood the weight of those responsibilities. Like many CODAs, I became a bridge between two worlds.

Growing up, I watched my mother face barriers in housing, employment, education, and everyday interactions. Too often, people underestimated her because she was Deaf. They saw limitations where I saw strength. They assumed she was incapable when I knew she was one of the most resilient people I had ever met. Those experiences shaped the way I view accessibility, advocacy, and equity today.

My father's story also continues to influence this work. In 2017, my father passed away while living unhoused in his car. For a long time, our family did not know where he was. Although our relationship was complicated, I often think about what might have been different if he had received more support. What if there had been someone who understood his language, culture, and experiences? What if there had been a trusted person to help him navigate housing, benefits, healthcare, and other systems? What if access had reached him before crisis did?

Those questions stay with me.

Deaf Access Now was created because access should not depend on luck, privilege, or having the right person in your corner. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals deserve services that are accessible, culturally responsive, and rooted in dignity. They deserve support that recognizes their strengths rather than focusing on perceived limitations.

Today, Deaf Access Now continues to grow from that vision. Whether through advocacy, systems navigation, community support, education, or future initiatives, the goal remains the same: to help create a world where Deaf individuals can access the services, opportunities, and support they deserve.

This organization is more than a project. It is personal. It is a reflection of my family, my community, and the experiences that shaped who I am.

And this is only the beginning.

Jasmine Penn Founder, Deaf Access Now