New project expands work opportunities for people with hearing loss

An Austin-based nonprofit, Communication Service for the Deaf (known as CSD), announced Tuesday that it is launching a new program, CSD Works, to expand employment opportunities for people with hearing loss. According to the announcement, “only 36.6% of American adults with hearing loss are employed full time.” This problem, according to CSD, is largely attributable to a lack of educational and training opportunities. To address the issue, CSD Works is partnering with corporations to “create new pathways to available paid work opportunities, ensure appropriate communication access, and support Deaf success through (American Sign Language)-based training and job skills certification courses.” CSD Works’ first project is a partnership with ride-hailing company Uber, which has accessibility features built into its app that make it easier for deaf and hard-of-hearing people to become Uber drivers. “As part of the partnership, CSD Works has created an online library of Uber-specific informational resources delivered in American Sign Language,” says the announcement. “These resources are freely available to Deaf and hard of hearing people who sign up for the CSD Works program.”