Deaf in the Workplace
This project highlights 12 Deaf individuals working in a variety of careers and occupations, including jewelers, painters, pilots, realtors, and pastors. Each participant is featured in environmental portraits that showcase their real workplace and the unique visual elements they bring through the vibrant world of the Deaf community.
Compared to the rest of the country, Southern California is home to a thriving Deaf community, one that often goes unnoticed or unheard of. As a hearing person, I had little familiarity with this community until I was introduced to it by my high school American Sign Language teacher, who is Deaf herself.
Although these individuals are sometimes labeled as disabled, their lives tell a different story. They inspire others through what they have faced and accomplished, and through their authenticity and perseverance.
I would like to thank Lauren Benedict, Jackson Brown, Austin Cary, Yoon Lee, Charles Rock, Karen Soza, Niel and Ericka Thompson, Candi Underwood, Jon Savage, Ally Varner, and Kevin Willis.
Q & A
Q: When/Why/How did you decide on your career?
A: I decided on my career when I realized creating art was the most natural way for me to express myself. Growing up Deaf shaped how I see the world, and visual communication has always been my strongest language. In 2011 I returned to painting and felt a clear purpose to build a career as an artist. I kept creating, sharing my work, and connecting with people. Over time it became clear that art was not just something I loved but the right path for me.
Q: Did anyone tell you you couldn't be in your current career?
A: Yes. When I was younger, a few people assumed a Deaf person could not succeed as a professional artist. Some believed communication barriers would limit my opportunities, or that art was not a “real” career. Hearing those comments only pushed me to prove that creativity, vision, and hard work matter more than anything else. I chose to trust my passion and keep going.
Q: What were/are your parent's current careers?
A: My father worked as a photographer and videographer. My mother worked as a hairstylist and craft artist. Both of them filled our home with creativity, which influenced my path as an artist.
Q: Within your workplace/career, do people treat you differently because you are deaf? In what ways?
A: Sometimes people treat me differently at first. Some are unsure how to communicate or assume I cannot do certain things. In most cases once we start working together they realize communication is easy and my Deaf identity is part of my creative strength. Visual thinking, attention to detail, and strong observation skills often become advantages in my work as an artist.
Q: What do you wish your younger self had known about your career opportunities?
A: I would remind my younger self that every part of the journey builds who you become. Challenges, new skills, and unexpected turns all shape your path. You do not need to know everything in advance. You grow into your opportunities through experience, consistency, and trust in your creative vision.
Q: What do you wish hearing people knew? (As it relates to careers)
A: Hearing people often underestimate Deaf professionals, but the reality is simple. Deaf people can succeed in any field when communication is respected and access is provided. Talent, discipline, and creativity drive success, not hearing. An open attitude and willingness to collaborate make all the difference.
Q & A
Q:Describe your job role.
A: Teach ASL and Deaf Culture
Q:When/Why/How did you decide on your career?
A: Teaching was always my passion growing up. I did different jobs but nothing suited me.
Q:Did anyone tell you you couldn't be in your current career?
A: Yes
Q:What were/are your parent's current careers?
A: Plumber. And homemaker
Q:Within your workplace/career, do people treat you differently because you are deaf? In what ways?
A: Yes of course. Some people would walk away if they see me. Or they don’t make any attempts in communicating with me.
Q:What do you wish hearing people knew? (As it relates to careers)
A: That Deaf people can do anything except hear.
Q & A
Q:When/Why/How did you decide on your career?
A: I always had a great interest in the Real Estate and I figured I should go for the exam, and if I passed it- it would be meant to be (and I did!)
Q:Did anyone tell you you couldn't be in your current career?
A: Not really. I am surrounded by amazing community members.
Q:What were/are your parent's current careers?
A: They worked at Gallaudet University [a world famous Deaf-friendly University in Washington, D.C.].
Q:Within your workplace/career, do people treat you differently because you are deaf? In what ways?
A: Sometimes, but it is usually resolved quickly after they realize how good I am in this field.
Q:What do you wish your younger self had known about your career opportunities?
A: It is okay to change careers.
Q:What do you wish hearing people knew? (As it relates to careers)
A: Take a bit more time (patience) and itll be worth it.
Q & A
Q: Describe your job role.
A: I provide support to teachers of the Deaf the classroom and in the homes of Deaf children 0-3 years of age and their families.
Q: When/Why/How did you decide on your career?
A: I always had a place in my heart for children with special needs and when I took all the classes required fresh out of High school.
Q: Did anyone tell you you couldn't be in your current career?
A: No
Q: What were/are your parent's current careers?
A: My mother was a Special Education Assistant and my father worked for Raytheon.
Q: Within your workplace/career, do people treat you differently because you are deaf? In what ways?
A: No, since it’s a program for deaf children. ASL interpretation is provided at most of not all staff meetings and several teachers sign fluently
Q: What do you wish your younger self had known about your career opportunities?
A: I wish I had explored more into my artistic abilities and pursued the true passion of being creative
Q: What do you wish hearing people knew? (As it relates to careers)
A: Honestly, I wish hearing teachers of the deaf could experience the world deaf, to deepen their understanding of what it’s like for us.
Jackson Brown
Pastor
Q & A
Q: Describe your job role.
A: I serve as a Deaf Pastor to the Deaf Community of Riverside at the Grove Community Church. It is my joy to serve the Lord by participating in our mission statement, "Being Changed by God to Reach All People," including the Deaf people group. As part of this effort, Jesus is being made known, to some for the first time, in their heart language of American Sign Language. Jesus is accessible to all.
Q: When/Why/How did you decide on your career?
A: In the summer of 2017, I asked God for a career that would be kingdom-oriented. In His mysterious ways, He brought me to the Grove with a vision in His mind that I would become the pastor of the Deaf Ministry. Much to my surprise, I never envisioned that being part of my story but in a step of faith, I took Him up on it. 8 years later, He still has me here.
Q: Did anyone tell you you couldn't be in your current career?
A: Yes and some were surprised that I could work full-time in this position.
Q: What were/are your parents' current careers?
A: Preschool Teacher in a Deaf/Hard of Hearing program & California Highway Patrol
Q: Within your workplace/career, do people treat you differently because you are deaf? In what ways?
A: Yes, I require an American Sign Language interpreter to facilitate communication. Some aren't willing to meet me in the middle and choose not to interact with me. Building relationships with hearing people is a difficult path at times but on the Deaf side of the job, I am not treated differently but rather accepted.
Q: What do you wish your younger self had known about your career opportunities?
A: It will be the most challenging thing I will ever experience but still some of the most important work I will ever accomplish. Deafness is not a limitation in what the Lord can do in His Kingdom.
Q: What do you wish hearing people knew?
A: God qualifies those who He calls and equips them by His Spirit to do the work He has called them to do in the world today. Deaf people have some of the most important work in engaging one of the most unreached people groups in the world today. Don't hinder their work because of their Deafness, but rather join the Lord's work by empowering them.
Q & A
Q: Describe your job role?
A:Teach ASL courses
Q: When/Why/How did you decide on your career?
A: After working for the government for 21 years, I completed my Bachelor's (and later my Master's). Dr. Blair encouraged me to apply for an ASL teaching position. So I did.
Q: Did anyone tell you you couldn't be in your current career?
A: No. Not even one person told me I couldn't do that.
Q: What were/are your parent's current careers?
A: My mom was a homemaker. My dad owned a railcar repair shop.
Q: Within your workplace/career, do people treat you differently because you are deaf? In what ways?
A: During my employment in government, I worked with many people (real estate agents, attorneys, office assistants, coworkers, etc.), and they didn't treat me any differently. They know that I'm Deaf. They contacted me through email or met me in my office.
Q: What do you wish your younger self had known about your career opportunities?
A: I've never thought of that, so I don't know.
Q: What do you wish hearing people knew? (As it relates to careers)
A: My closest coworkers (hearing) learned ASL from me. Some coworkers didn't know anything about signs, and they didn't bother to learn. I'd love to have everyone in my department know sign language. It'd be cool if EVERYONE knew ASL.
Charles Rock
College Professor
Kevin Willis
Aircraft Service Dispatcher
Q & A
Q:What is your job title?
A: Dispatch Supervisor
Q:When/Why/How did you decide on your career?
A:In 2023 after I got my FAA Aircraft Mechanic certificate. I applied for an Aircraft Mechanic position with CBU but the Dispatch Supervisor position also happened to be open in the Aviation Science Department and I applied for it and got the job.
Q:Did anyone tell you you couldn't be in your current career?
A: No.
Q:What were/are your parent's current careers?
A: Speech Pathologist
Q:Within your workplace/career, do people treat you differently because you are deaf? In what ways?
A: Yes and no. Likely because they haven't worked with a Deaf person before.
Q:What do you wish your younger self had known about your career opportunities?
A: Wish I knew about jobs in aviation sooner!
Q:What do you wish hearing people knew? (As it relates to careers)
A: Sometimes the obstacle isn't us...but them.
Remaining Participant Galleries
Not all participants were able to engage in the project's question and answer portion Please let their photos speak for themselves
Austin Cary
Online College Professor
Niel Thompson
Elementary Teacher
Ericka Thompson
Middle School Principal
Candi Underwood
Teacher
Yoon Lee
Home School Teacher & College Professor
