Deaf Wellness Support for LA Wildfires
As the California wildfires continue to affect communities, we recognize the urgent need for mental health support. This aligns with the purpose of the Deaf Mental Health Hub: to provide centralized, accessible, and culturally relevant resources.
These resources, shared by our community, are essential for supporting Deaf individuals during this challenging time. We invite you to explore them below.
Together, we can ensure no one navigates this journey alone.
If you know of additional resources, please share them with us!
AAC Disaster Relief
Responds to nationally declared disasters on behalf of United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC) members, people who use Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), their families, and other AAC stakeholders. USSAAC works collaboratively with other organizations to replace AAC tools and devices that are lost or damaged because of a nationally declared disaster.
Wildfires and Evacuation:
Please share this with caregivers, teachers, and friends. It can be translated into ASL at home, by teachers, or if an ASL translation is available-https://youtu.be/LP1GoL4TZjE
Thanks to Kathryn @speakliberation who created this.
Assistance from Off the Grid
Off-The-Grid Missions' efforts to support Deaf and disabled individuals affected by wildfires in California. It provides resources like live maps, evacuation alerts, and meal services, as well as a form for requesting assistance. The organization emphasizes accessible disaster response and encourages donations and partnerships.
CSD California Wildfires Relief and Resources for the Los Angeles Deaf Community
In reply to the wildfires, ASL Now has launched a Disaster Relief Helpline specifically for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Los Angeles members seeking information in American Sign Language (ASL). This helpline connects you with the most up-to-date resources and organizations that are offering relief and support to those impacted by the wildfires.
Along with our helpline, we’re listing essential resources to guide you during this time and to access the support you need:
Deaf Counseling Center
Deaf Counseling Center is a Deaf-owned and operated therapy, counseling, coaching, assessments and psychiatric and consulting practice staffed by Deaf licensed professional therapists. It is always Deaf Counseling Center’s goal to offer accessible Deaf therapy services nationwide. We specialize in working with Deaf people and their families and are committed to:
Providing safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental therapy services
Creating a culturally sensitive counseling/therapy and Deaf-friendly environment for Deaf clients and their families
Ensuring effective communication through American Sign Language
Enhancing lives through empowerment and positive change
Offering national Deaf therapy services to all states in United States
Deaf Lead-
DeafLEAD was founded to provide Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and DeafBlind individuals comprehensive, unified, and continuous support.
We proudly serve individuals and their families with a trauma-informed approach as they navigate severe distress, disaster, or being the victim of a crime. Our staff and volunteers give emotional support and access to resources to allow people to thrive.
Disaster Distress Helpline
A national hotline dedicated to providing 24/7 year-round disaster crisis counseling. If you or one of your patients is experiencing disaster-related distress, call 1-800-985-5990 (using VP or relay services) to connect with a trained counselor.
Donations to Deaf impacted by LA Wildfire Victims
This donation was established to assist deaf* communities who have lost their housing and personal belongings due to Palisades and Eaton fires.
In honor of deaf victims affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County, make a donation today to support rebuilding and recovery process
Emergency Disaster Resources
This resource from Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD) provides comprehensive support to Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened individuals to prepare for emergencies and disasters. The page offers critical tools, training, and resources to enhance community safety, including ASL videos, guides, and workshops tailored to ensure accessible and inclusive preparedness.
Deaf Community Counseling Services (DCCS) empowers Deaf & Hard of Hearing clients to live self-sufficient lives through a transformative focus on their overall well-being.
DCCS supports and educates the community on the importance of healing through a comprehensive lens, integrating care for their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral health.
Free Support Group for Deaf Survivors of California Wildfires
The Deaf Counseling Center is offering a free and confidential support group for Deaf individuals impacted by the California wildfires. The sessions will be held every Tuesday at 5 PM PST, starting January 14, 2025. The group is facilitated by Michele Barber, LPCC, a California-licensed Deaf therapist.
For more information and to receive the Zoom link, you can email info@deafcounseling.com or text 240-701-5155.
This group aims to provide a safe and supportive space for survivors to connect and heal.
Inclusive Therapist
The Inclusive Therapists website is a platform dedicated to connecting individuals with therapists who prioritize cultural competence, intersectionality, and social justice in their practice. It allows users to filter therapists based on their knowledge of Deaf culture and people, making it easier to find professionals who understand these unique needs. However, some therapists listed may not be fluent in ASL, so clients might need to request an ASL interpreter for sessions to ensure effective communication.
My Deaf Therapy
My Deaf Therapy is here for you. We offer virtual therapy sessions tailored to your needs, ensuring that communication is seamless in your preferred language—whether through ASL, spoken language, or any other form of communication. Your mental wellness, your language, your way.
Traveling to therapy is a thing of the past. We offer virtual sessions via telehealth, bringing therapy to you wherever you are. Whether you're at home, at work, or anywhere in between, we’re committed to making mental wellness more accessible and convenient.
Your healing journey is just a click away.
National Deaf Therapy
Services offered:
Therapy Sessions
Designed for individuals, couples, families or groups. Meet with your therapist regularly based on your treatment plan.
Subscriptions
In-depth mental health tools, resources, guided ASL videos
Workshops & Trainings
Workshops, training sessions and presentations for community members, wellness providers, organizations, mental health interpreters, and more
Psychology Today
Psychology Today's directory includes therapists licensed to serve California clients, offering a range of specialties such as anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. While some therapists indicate they can work with specific communities, like the Deaf community, they may not be fluent in sign language. It's essential to verify their fluency and cultural competence directly to ensure they meet your needs.
988 Lifeline
Resources for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have hearing loss:
If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, you can chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor 24/7 by:
988 Videophone – Read the terms of service.
Online chat – Chat with 988.
988 Text – Send any message to 988 to start a text conversation.
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
If you’re having trouble accessing the 988 Videophone, you can Contact Us to share the technical challenges you’re experiencing so we can get things fixed.
Share What You Know
Help us grow our LA Wildfire Resource List! Use our Resource Submission Form to share services or tools that have supported you or your community.
Somatic Soothing Session For People Affected By The LA Fires
This FREE session is for people affected by the California fires. Azul of Mariposx Healing will hold space for expression of emotions through somatic practices, movement, chanting, and drum medicine. Their intention is for this space to be a supportive breather to help you feel more grounded and nurtured. We will also have space for resource connection. This session provides an ASL interpreter for accessibility. Sign up now at the 🔗 in our bio!
Sparks of Healing- Free Support Group by National Deaf Therapy
If you’ve been impacted by the California wildfires, we’re here to support you. Join our ‘Sparks of Healing’ series, created to provide a safe space for emotional support, recovery, and connection. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges of healing and rebuilding after loss.
✨ Here’s what’s ahead:
- January 29:Finding emotional support and resilience
- February 5:Coping strategies for recovery
- February 12:Rebuilding a sense of community
📅 All sessions are at 6:00 PM PSTon Zoom.
📧 To receive the link, email us at Demara@NationalDeafTherapy.com
You’re not alone—let’s find strength together.
