Our Mission
The mission of the Orange County Deaf Equal Access Foundation (OC DEAF) is to ensure equal access of the deaf and hard of hearing community to the same opportunities afforded their hearing counterparts. The organization's general purposes and powers are directed around the promotion of the social, recreational, cultural, educational, and vocational welfare of its deaf and hard of hearing constituents.
OC DEAF's specific and primary purpose is to act as a coordinating agency that addresses the broad social service needs of deaf and hard of hearing people through direct service provision, advocacy, research and dissemination of information regarding deafness to parents, professionals and consumers.
OC DEAF is committed to the philosophy of
of, by, for and with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In accordance with Chapter 1193, Statutes of 1980, OC DEAFincludes deaf and hard of hearing individuals at all levels of the organization.
OC DEAF is dedicated to improving the overall well being of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. It is founded on the philosophy "of, by and for the deaf," whereby the Director, 51% of the Board and/or staff are deaf or hard of hearing. Recognizing the diversity of the Deaf Community, OC DEAF believes firmly in the concept of personal choice. All persons, regardless of hearing loss or communication mode, as well as race, sex or creed, are welcome at OC DEAF.