Expanding Career Pathways for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Californians

SACRAMENTO — Every Californian should have the opportunity to find meaningful work, build skills and pursue a career. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Employment Development Department (EDD) is highlighting how it is helping make that opportunity more accessible for those who are Deaf and hard of hearing. EDD supports Californians through Employment Services for People with Disabilities that help people prepare for, find, and succeed in work.

Building on that commitment, EDD awarded nearly $2.7 million to five organizations that provide specialized employment services to Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers across the state. The organizations help Californians overcome communication barriers, build job skills, connect with employers and pursue long-term career opportunities.

NDEAM is observed each October to recognize the contributions of workers with disabilities and raise awareness about the importance of expanding employment opportunities. The 2026 theme, Celebrating Value and Talent, highlights the skills and contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces, communities and the economy. These workers can strengthen an organization with their problem-solving skills along with their resilience, adaptability, and creativity.

Seeing the Impact

San Diego’s Preserving the Culture for All, one of the organizations receiving the grant, helps Deaf and hard of hearing Californians build skills, connect with employers and pursue meaningful careers. Watch Leslie Calderon’s story to see how access to resources and services can help job seekers build resumes, connect with employers and navigate the hiring process, including communication support that helps open doors to new career opportunities.

Expanding Access to Jobs

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey data, 1.2 million Californians have a hearing difficulty. Employment data also shows a gap in employment rates: 51.8% of deaf Californians were employed in 2023, compared with 69.7% of hearing Californians, according to the National Deaf Center.

The funding will help address barriers to employment by connecting job seekers with employment services and communication support. Services may include interpreting and other communication support such as job readiness, career counseling, employment assistance, and additional EDD services. EDD will provide these services at select America’s Job Center of California locations and throughout the communities they serve.

What They’re Saying

Ebony Montgomery, Founder and CEO, Preserving the Culture for All
"Preserving the Culture for All is honored to partner with the Employment Development Department to expand equitable employment opportunities for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. This investment strengthens our mission to remove barriers to employment, empower individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive, and create lasting pathways to meaningful careers. We are excited to continue building a more inclusive workforce where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

Sheri Farinha, CEO, NorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“NorCal Services for Deaf and hard of hearing is proud to continue providing employment services of, by, and for Deaf and hard of hearing Californians. For our community, true access to employment means more than providing accommodations—it means receiving services directly in our language, from professionals who understand our culture, experiences, and barriers to employment. We appreciate EDD’s continued investment in accessible, community-based services and look forward to helping Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers throughout Northern California achieve meaningful employment and greater economic opportunity.”

Dr. Patricia Hughes, CEO, Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc.
"We are profoundly grateful for the grant awarded to us by the Employment Development Department, which enables us to provide employment services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This funding is special because it not only supports employment, but also fosters an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of hearing degree, can contribute their talents. By providing these opportunities, we are thriving to continue breaking down barriers and promote equality in the workplace."

Michelle Camara, Deputy Director, Deaf Counseling, Advocacy & Referral Agency
“This grant opens doors for Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers by providing document translation support, job skills training, and communication confidence needed to pursue meaningful employment and greater independence. It has made a significant difference by reducing communication and employment barriers and connecting individuals with opportunities for long-term career success.”

Jesse Lewis, Project Director, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center
“Our funding from EDD gives us the opportunity to continue working with our local Deaf and hard of hearing community members who are hungry to work. In a world that is often not accessible for the Deaf and hard of hearing, being able to offer direct services to this community with full access in the form of American Sign Language keeps doors open that would otherwise feel shut. We are grateful for EDD's continued support!”

Modernizing for Greater Access

EDD is modernizing its programs and services based on customer feedback and research, making it easier for Californians to access, understand and use the support they need.

Meet the Awardees

The five organizations receiving this funding will bring these employment services and career opportunities to Deaf and hard of hearing Californians across the state.

Awardee	Counties	Amount	Contact
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center	Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, and Tulare	$122,149.54	Jesse Lewis 1-559-225-3323 JesseL@dhhsc.org
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency	Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Sonoma, Solano, Napa, and Marin	$472,718.50	Michelle Camara 1-510-564-9316 michelle.camara@dcara.org
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness Inc.	Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino	$1,305,945.90	Dr. Patricia Hughes 1-323-892-2205 phughes@gladinc.org
NorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing	El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, and Yolo	$351,555.70	Sheri Farinha 1-916-349-7500 sfarinha@norcalcenter.org
Preserving the Culture for All	San Diego	$447,487.26	Ebony Montgomery 1-562-335-7867 Ebony.montgomery@sdfllc.org

 

This grant is 100 percent federally funded by a grant award totaling $2,699,856.90 from the US Department of Labor, with no non-federal funding sources. For more information about each organization and the services they provide, contact the awardees listed above.

Supporting Californians Through Ongoing Improvement

For EDD, expanding access is an ongoing commitment. During NDEAM and throughout the year, the Department continues listening to Californians and using customer feedback, research and service data to improve programs and services and make them easier to access, understand and use. EDD will continue building on this work to help more Californians access employment services, develop their skills and pursue career opportunities.

EDD invites Californians to follow its continued modernization and customer experience improvements through its Benefiting Californians newsletter.

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