A marketing agency is looking for participants to take a survey about communication tools and services for the Deaf community to help shape the future of communication services for our community. The survey is even translated into ASL. surveys.opinionsite.com/survey/selfs...?

Quality of life is shaped by access, opportunity, and inclusion. Our research found that 39% of deaf Ecuadorians do not feel they have a great quality of life.

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED A graduate research assistant at Gallaudet University is looking for participants to take part in a study that explores how Deaf Queer college students understand and navigate identity development, particularly through the relationship between Deaf and Queer identity formation.

We're 3 today! Three years of deaf-led research, global partnerships, and evidence-based advocacy. From our first days to now, everything we do has been driven by one purpose: improving the lives of deaf people around the world. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Our research found that 12% of deaf Ecuadorians experience negative feelings such as sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or depression.

Access to healthy food remains a challenge for many in the deaf community. Our research found that 72% of deaf Ecuadorians say healthy food is expensive.

One Deaf participant in Ecuador shared that hearing aids can cost up to $2,000, with batteries costing hundreds more. Because of these high costs, 85% of deaf Ecuadorians cannot afford hearing aids or cochlear implants. Access to hearing technology should be equitable and affordable.

We are excited to share the Global Deaf Research Institute's Strategic Plan for 2026–2028. Over the next three years, we are committed to advancing research, education, and advocacy that improves the lives of Deaf people around the world.

Research shows that 90% of deaf Ecuadorians do not receive accommodation services at work, creating significant barriers to equal opportunity, communication, and career growth. Workplaces must prioritize accessibility and inclusion so deaf professionals can thrive.

Join us in making an impact. Sponsor GDRI's Fire Island Pines Benefit (June 12-13) and be part of a weekend supporting research and advocacy. Your tax-deductible support fuels research, advocacy, and real-world change for Deaf communities worldwide, with a focus on Deaf queer communities.

Research shows that 57% of deaf Ecuadorians do not have access to a computer or laptop, limiting opportunities for education, communication, and employment.

Danny is passionate about population statistics and demographics, with a background in qualitative and quantitative analysis. As an intern, he focuses on analyzing data, translating it into actionable insights, and promoting deaf data advocacy and visibility. Join us in welcoming him!

Food security is a critical part of health and well-being. Yet many deaf individuals face barriers that affect access to basic needs. Our research found that 45% of deaf Ecuadorians do not feel they have enough to eat.

Our research found that 14% of deaf Ecuadorians experience intense pain that prevents them from doing what they need to do.

87% of deaf Ecuadorians lack access to speech therapy, audiology, or verbal auditory therapy. Research helps us understand the gap and work toward solutions.

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED A doctoral candidate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is looking for participants to take part in a study that explores how deaf individuals define, navigate, and describe their experiences with sexual health literacy, healthcare, and education.

82% of deaf Ecuadorians report they are not satisfied with their sleep.

Our latest findings show that 41% of deaf Ecuadorians are not eating fresh fruits and vegetables often enough.

12% of deaf Ecuadorians need medical treatment to function in daily life. Visual description: This image is a research graphic highlighting healthcare access in Ecuador. At the top, a blue overlay contains a quote from a Deaf participant in Ecuador:

GDRI is excited to announce the creation of the Knowledge to Impact Pathway for our Deaf Voices Counted program, our commitment to deaf-led, community-driven research and advocacy.

27% of deaf Ecuadorians do not have access to the internet.

Exciting news! The Guidelines to Make Surveys on Individuals and Households More Accessible by the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD) are now available.

Our research shows that many deaf Ecuadorians are missing critical government updates and don't have a safety plan in place.

We are excited to share that the first diabetes‑information website in American Sign Language (ASL) has been launched. Developed by researchers and clinicians at University of Utah Health, the site makes it easier for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing people to understand and manage diabetes.

Research shows that 56% of deaf Ecuadorians do not have access to healthy food.

Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) and University of Utah contributed to research on diabetes technology for deaf people. They examined how diabetes technology fails to meet the accessibility needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) people.

Research shows that 75% of deaf Ecuadorians do not have enough energy to meet the demands of daily life.

GDRI will participate in a webinar on guidance on intersectionality. The speakers will discuss how intersectionality shows how multiple identities intersect to shape lived experiences, and how these insights can be used to strengthen data systems and inform intersectional approaches in their work.

In light of recent events, it’s more important than ever to come together and support one another as a community. Deaf communities are being impacted by ICE, and their experiences must be documented so we can better understand how to mobilize and protect our community.

Intern Testimonial: Ciara Luttrell Ciara has been interning with us since May. She is here to share her experiences in analyzing data and contributing to projects that promote accessible and equal treatment for deaf people worldwide. We are truly grateful to have her on our team!

Research findings show that 86% of deaf Ecuadorians are not satisfied with their health, highlighting significant barriers to accessible medical care.

A report highlighting the financial struggles of deaf Ecuadorians, revealing that 93% of them do not have enough income to meet their needs.

Battery access shouldn’t be a barrier, yet 84% of deaf Ecuadorians can’t get the replacements they need.

As we entered the new year with many exciting updates and objectives, we first reflected on our accomplishments in 2025. The end-of-year report highlights our proudest work in ensuring full access and an improved quality of life for deaf people.

Education access remains unequal, here’s how deaf Ecuadorians' school levels break down.

Happy New Year! GDRI is excited to have support from All Hands On as Levi is cycling around Taiwan for 3 weeks to raise funds and awareness for us. Please follow him on this adventure! We are grateful for his commitment and would appreciate your support as well.

We're thrilled to announce that the Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) and Deaf Worlds (DDW) have formed a partnership to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for deaf people around the world!

77% of deaf Ecuadorians don’t trust interpreters.

Eight years. That’s the average delay between hearing loss and getting access to sign language or hearing aids in Ecuador.

91% of Deaf Ecuadorians are unsatisfied with their care, many lack accommodations, and over half can’t afford it.

Access to information is essential. Yet, 88% of Deaf Ecuadorians don’t have access to the information they need for daily life.

73% of Deaf Ecuadorians say there aren’t enough interpreters, and 85% feel many aren’t qualified or clear.

86% of Deaf Ecuadorians who don’t know sign language want to learn Ecuadorian Sign Language (LSEC) but access and affordability remain major barriers.

Most Deaf Ecuadorians lack the accommodations they need - 88% in primary, 89% in secondary, and 84% in higher education.

“Sometimes we have to take 2 or 3 buses just to get to a deaf school.” – Deaf participant, Ecuador. 86% of deaf Ecuadorians are NOT satisfied with transportation. Nearly half say it’s NOT affordable. Access shouldn't depend on your wallet or location.

Deaf Ecuadorians earn a median of $320/month, yet 46% live below the poverty line. We must push for greater economic inclusion and opportunity.

Did you know that 38% of deaf people in Ecuador are unemployed or in unpaid roles? A participant said it best: “Support centers can train them so they can work.” Let’s build a more inclusive future!"

50% of Deaf Ecuadorians have been misdiagnosed or misunderstood in healthcare due to communication barriers.

73% of deaf Ecuadorians do not feel safe in their daily lives, 84% report unhealthy physical environments, and 83% are dissatisfied with their living conditions.

Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) is now a certified member of the World Health Organization’s Disability Health Equity Network!