Empowering Deaf Immigrant Families: The Impact of Hands United

Bridging Barriers: The Power of Hands United

Celena Ponce is leading a movement to elevate Deaf immigrant families across the United States through her nonprofit, Hands United (Manos Unidas). Reflecting on her personal experiences, she founded the organization out of a necessity for her goddaughter, who struggled with communication in a world that often excludes Deaf individuals. Today, Hands United supports approximately 300 families in 30 states, offering free resources ranging from ASL education to legal consultation.

Empowering Families Through Language

Hands United is not just about providing services; it's about fostering connections within families. The organization has made significant strides in creating communication boards for use in immigration detention centers, enabling Deaf individuals to effectively advocate for themselves. By prioritizing multilingual ASL resources, Hands United ensures that families can communicate meaningfully, bridging the often tragic communication gap experienced by Deaf individuals in immigrant communities.

A Growing Network of Support

The importance of community support in the growth of Hands United cannot be overstated. With partnerships like the one established by Professor Corrine Occhino at Syracuse University, which aims to promote ASL among Deaf refugees, there is a greater drive to empower underserved groups. Occhino's work reflects the academic world's increasing engagement with practical challenges facing Deaf individuals, mirroring Ponce's commitment to inclusivity.

Changing Lives, One Story at a Time

The impact of Hands United extends well beyond statistics. It resides in the joyous moment when a parent learns to communicate with their child or when a Deaf immigrant feels empowered to speak in court. These stories illustrate the profound significance of Hands United's mission, generous funding from the community, and enthusiastic support from organizations like the American Society for Deaf Children.

Looking Forward: The Vision for Expansion

As Hands United continues its work, Celena Ponce dreams of reaching more families nationwide—addressing unspoken needs within the Deaf immigrant community. The bilingual resources provided and workshops offered represent only the beginning of their aspirations. By amplifying voices that are often unheard, they are laying the groundwork for a rich tapestry of relationships, empowerment, and advocacy.

The Bigger Picture: Addressing Systemic Challenges

While Hands United offers practical support, larger systemic barriers persist that complicate the journeys for Deaf immigrant families. Organizations like the Lexington School for the Deaf aim to create inclusive environments for immigrant children, illustrating a community’s commitment to meet the educational needs of this population. As the nation grapples with migration policies and social support systems, the work of organizations like Hands United remains vital to ensuring families receive not just services, but dignity and equity.

For those interested in supporting this movement, visit Hands United to learn more about how you can contribute to bridging communication gaps and enhancing lives.