Monroe County leaders announce the establishment of a new deaf equity council to advocate for accessibility and inclusion

Monroe County, New York – In a landmark step towards greater accessibility and inclusion, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans have announced the formation of the Deaf Equity Council (DEC). This initiative, unveiled alongside Monroe County Chief Diversity Officer David Scott and key community advocates, is designed to drive systemic change and improve the lives of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals throughout Monroe County.

The newly established DEC will play an instrumental role in advising local government officials, shaping policies, and ensuring that the needs of the Deaf community are fully integrated into Monroe County’s legislative and administrative framework. The council’s formation is a direct response to the region’s unique demographic, as Monroe County boasts one of the highest per capita populations of Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents in the United States.

A Commitment to Equity and Representation

“As public servants, we must ensure every Monroe County resident, regardless of ability, has their needs met. The newly formed DEC will help us shape policies and initiatives through an equitable lens to better serve our community,” said County Executive Bello. “I thank DEI Commissioner David Scott and our DEC members for establishing this vital council, which will drive positive change for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. I encourage residents to join and help build a truly inclusive Monroe County where everyone can thrive.”

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This initiative represents a long-overdue commitment to ensuring that Deaf individuals have access to essential services, opportunities, and a voice in policy decisions that directly impact their lives. The DEC will serve as an advisory body, working to dismantle systemic barriers and promote language accessibility throughout the county.

“Our community has the highest per capita number of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in the country, so it’s important that their needs and concerns are woven into our policies and practices,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “It is my hope that this council will educate and inform our work and ensure that our Deaf and Hard of Hearing friends and neighbors can fully participate in all that our community has to offer.”

Breaking Barriers Through Advocacy

A fundamental aspect of the DEC’s mission is to advocate for language access and equal opportunities for Deaf residents. This effort aligns with a broader push for legislative changes that recognize American Sign Language (ASL) and other communication methods as fundamental rights.

“Everyone has a fundamental right to language access,” emphasized Legislature President Yversha Román. “Ensuring equitable communication is not only vital for our Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing neighbors—it strengthens our entire community. When everyone has access to services, information, and opportunities, we create a more inclusive, connected Monroe County. The formation of the Deaf Equity Council is a crucial step toward breaking down barriers so that all residents, regardless of language, can fully participate in our community, helping us all address concerns affecting the quality of life. I appreciate my partners in government and the Deaf Equity Council for their commitment to uplifting Deaf voices.”

Building a More Inclusive County

The DEC is dedicated to several key objectives aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility. These include:

• Conducting community outreach and assessments to identify the needs of Deaf individuals.
• Advising city, town, and county officials on policies affecting the Deaf community.
• Ensuring legislative measures incorporate language accessibility considerations.
• Strengthening collaboration between Monroe County and neighboring municipalities.
• Upholding ASL and other forms of sign language as fundamental human rights.
• Reducing disparities in public and private services.
• Promoting the cultural and social contributions of the Deaf community.

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By focusing on these priorities, the council aims to transform Monroe County into a model of accessibility, where all residents—regardless of hearing ability—can fully participate in civic life.

A United Effort for Lasting Change

The DEC is composed of individuals who bring a wealth of lived experiences, professional expertise, and community insights. Membership is open to anyone who resides or works in Monroe County and is committed to the advancement of Deaf rights and accessibility. The council will convene bi-monthly, with sub-committees dedicated to specific advocacy and policy initiatives.

“In order for the Monroe County government to be inclusive, we must be accessible. This new Deaf Equity Council is a step in the right direction and will ensure all residents can communicate with us so we can understand and address as many of their needs as possible,” said Director of Monroe County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion David Scott. “My thanks to County Executive Adam Bello and Mayor Malik Evans for their partnership and support of this new council as well as the dedicated Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing activists who are working with us to build a more inclusive county.”

By working alongside local leaders and stakeholders, the DEC will bridge the gap between the Deaf community and Monroe County’s leadership, fostering a more cohesive and equitable society.

Empowering the Deaf Community

“When Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals thrive, our entire community thrives. The DEC is about building a stronger, more inclusive Monroe County where equitable policies, better communication, and deeper understanding benefit everyone. Rochester has long been known for the size of its Deaf community; today, we take a step toward being known for our shared success,” said Davin Searls, a DEC representative.

The establishment of the DEC is not just a symbolic gesture—it is a call to action. Residents are encouraged to join the council, participate in discussions, and contribute to shaping policies that will enhance the quality of life for all Monroe County residents. Through this collaborative effort, Monroe County is paving the way for a future where accessibility and equity are at the forefront of community development.

How to Get Involved

To kickstart community engagement, an information session will be held at the Henrietta Library on April 16 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Interested individuals can learn more about the DEC’s mission, goals, and how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive Monroe County.

For more information or to join the Deaf Equity Council, interested participants can call the Video Phone Number at 585-206-1090, send an email to [email protected], or visit monroecounty.gov/dei-deafequitycouncil.

The formation of the Deaf Equity Council is a significant milestone in Monroe County’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. With strong leadership and community involvement, this initiative will play a crucial role in ensuring that Deaf individuals have the representation and access they rightfully deserve.