Celebrating deaf culture
09/1/2024
Meet Tracey Chu, the very first deaf employee at Donor Network of Arizona (DNA)!
As a supply associate, Tracey and her team support our organ and tissue recovery teams to ensure they have the supplies needed to make organ and tissue donation possible.
Tracey is also a member of DNA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Through her efforts with the committee, DNA proudly recognizes Deaf Awareness Month and encourages members of the deaf community to register as organ and tissue donors.
CELEBRATING DEAF AWARENESS MONTH
d/Deaf* awareness is celebrated throughout September, and the month concludes with World Deaf Day on the last Sunday of the month. This observance celebrates the culture, history and contributions of the Deaf community, as well as promotes equitable communication and education for all.
Want to learn more about the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) community? Check out our article, 5 things you didn’t know about Deaf Awareness.
*There is a difference between “the lowercase d” deaf and “the uppercase D” Deaf. Someone who identifies as deaf with a lowercase d may see their hearing loss as a medical condition, whereas someone who identifies as Deaf with a capital D identify as a member of the Deaf community.
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) connects with d/Deaf and HoH population through events like the DeafNation Expo.
“Anyone and everyone can sign up to save lives,” says Tracey.
You can register as an organ and tissue donor online right now at www.DonateLifeAZ.org. You can also register at an MVD or authorized third-party office when you apply for your driver license or state ID.