From Barriers to Breakthroughs: How EDD and Community Partners Empower Job Seekers Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing

Published: November 6, 2025

Finding employment can be difficult. For members of California’s Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, the challenge can be even greater due to barriers that many others don’t face in the job market.

Through a $2.7 million grant program awarded to selected organizations like the NorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, the Employment Development Department (EDD) is helping to break down those barriers and provide meaningful support.

 

For nearly a year, Lorenzo Castaneda struggled to find work due to being deaf. Frustrated by employers who either couldn’t or wouldn’t look past his disability, he eventually connected with Dustin Knott, an EDD program coordinator from NorCal who specializes in services for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

“We partner with the State of California through EDD to provide employment services and ensure equal access for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals,” said Knott. “That includes interpreters and staff who assist with job-seeking services.”

Thanks to these services, Castaneda found employment as a security guard at the Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.

“I went to a job fair with an interpreter and did an interview,” Castaneda shared. “I actually got a job offer on the spot.”

Today, he’s thriving — not only at Golden 1 Center but also at Sutter Health Park in nearby West Sacramento. Lorenzo says the most important part of his job is helping people — working with both the Deaf and hearing communities every day.

Lorenzo’s story is proof that, with the right support, members of the Deaf community can do anything they’re interested in.

To learn more about how we can help you with your job search, or help you find the right employees to hire for your business, check out Stronger Jobs, Stronger Communities.

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