The deaf community in other countries

   

• South Africa: South Africa has a well established deaf community, and is one of the economically healthiest countries in Africa. The largest organization is the Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) which was founded in 1929 and continues to grow. South Africa has its own sign language known as SASL or South African Sign Language. There are many schools for the deaf. Unemployment and illiteracy remain high in the deaf community, but awareness is increasing.
• Australia: Australia has its own sign language called Auslan. It has many clubs for the deaf and is home to Cochlear Limited.
• China: China's deaf community is substantial. China has its own sign language, Chinese Sign Language or CSL with characters similar to written Chinese characters and many regional variations. China has many schools for the deaf as well as a technical college for the deaf.
• India: There are several deaf organizations, with at least two of these designed specifically for deaf women. At the present time, there are several variations of sign language, but the country is working toward adopting a single language. There are many schools for the deaf, and from ministries to social service, to vocational opportunities, life is improving for many of the deaf in the country.
• Germany: The deaf community in Germany is vibrant, though German Sign Language has only had official recognition since 2002. The largest deaf organization is the German Deaf Organization which is an umbrella for many groups. Schools and post-secondary education opportunities are abundant, and options for learning abroad are also available. There are many deaf websites in German.
• Ireland: Ireland has a handful of deaf associations, several schools, and its own sign language.
• Armenia: Formerly part of the Soviet Union, Armenia is a small country with only one school for the deaf and limited opportunities for deaf school graduates.
• Argentina: Argentina has its own sign language, a strong deaf community, and national organizations for the deaf.
• Brazil: Brazil has multiple deaf associations and schools for the deaf, as well as a thriving sign language.
• Colombia: The country has schools for the deaf and several deaf organizations.
• Peru: Peru is a relatively poor country, but does have an association for the deaf and its own sign language.
• Iran: Iran has numerous schools for the deaf, celebrates deafness annually, and even has its own cochlear implant center.
• Canada: Canada's deaf community is large, diversified, and well established. Deaf and hard of hearing people and their families can find the right organizations and services for their needs.
• Mexico: Mexico has schools for the deaf, its own sign language, and organizations
• Organizations and opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing vary widely around the world, but many countries have been rapidly increasing the availability of schools and sign language. Support for the deaf is lacking in many economically challenged countries, but progress is taking place in this direction as well. There are many International Deaf Missions and Ministries through which missionaries and volunteers are making a difference for those who are deaf and hard of hearing globally. Examples include Deaf International which promotes human rights for deaf people throughout the world and World Federation of the Deaf which promotes equality through sign language.