NR No. 24-30
Contact: Loree Levy/Greg Lawson
916-654-9029
mediainquiries@edd.ca.gov
What You Need to Know: California supports Deaf and hard of hearing communities by investing in employment and job training services. The Employment Development Department has awarded $2.7 million to five organizations who will help people who are deaf or hard of hearing to overcome communication barriers to achieve long-term employment with good paying jobs and career growth.
SACRAMENTO – The Employment Development Department (EDD) announced today it has awarded nearly $2.7 million to five organizations who will provide specialized employment and job training services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing within select America’s Job Center of CaliforniaSM locations.
“These programs, including no-cost interpreter services, will help Californians who are deaf or hard of hearing find good jobs and training opportunities, regardless of their hearing ability,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.
The awarded organizations will use the grant funds to provide expanded training and employment services to people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and who are seeking employment. The offered programs will include interpreter services to help participants with communication access at interviews, orientations, and trainings.
Interpreters will also assist to provide communication access to EDD programs and services.
"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,” said Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD) CEO Patricia Hughes. “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."
"We are extremely pleased to be one of the recipients awarded the EDD grant to support deaf and hard of hearing job seekers in northern CA,” said NorCal Services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing CEO Sheri Farinha. “Through this funding we can promote hiring deaf and hard of hearing individuals and assist employers to address any barriers."
The following awardees were chosen through a competitive application and evaluation process.
| Awardee | County | Award Amount | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center | Fresno | $128,857.50 |
Jesse Lewis |
| Deaf Community Services of San Diego | San Diego | $353,938.15 |
Monique Ball |
| Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) | Alameda | $532,991.85 |
Michelle Camara |
| Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness Inc. | Los Angeles | $1,326,235.75 |
Dr. Patricia Hughes |
| NorCal Services for Deaf & Hard of Hearing | Sacramento | $357,937.50 |
Sheri Farinha |
EDD awarded this funding through the Wagner-Peyser Governor’s Discretionary Fund for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.
This grant is 100 percent federally funded by a grant award totaling $2,699,960.75 from the U.S. Department of Labor.
For more information about each organization and the services they provide, please contact the awardees listed above.