The Benefits of Deaf Networking: from Visibility to Diversity
This week has been extremely busy and I’ve learned not to underestimate the time it takes to network effectively. As a deaf person it’s also extremely tiring!
Whether it’s been meeting deaf people, with different communication needs, or meeting hearing people who are all at first, unaware of my deaf communication needs. Often even after people are aware, they forget because it’s largely an invisible disability.
However, I LOVE meeting people, leaning into new experiences and learning. So I push myself, hard. For me it provides both professional and personal growth and allows me to build new relationships with people who have similar interests, goals and values.
There’s so many reasons why it’s worth it:
Opportunities: Networking creates opportunities for you to connect with others who are like-minded and to expand your horizons. Whether it’s a new job or a new business venture, networking helps you tap into new possibilities and explore opportunities that may not have been available to you otherwise.
Growth: As I mentioned above, networking is key for my personal and professional growth. When you connect with others in your industry or field, you can learn from others experiences, you can gain new perspectives, and expand your knowledge. Networking also helps to develop new skills and stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in your chosen in your interests.
Collaboration: Networking encourages collaboration and cooperation among individuals, which is essential for success in today world. By working together, you can share resources, ideas, and knowledge, and develop new and innovative solutions to challenges you face in your professional or personal life. Also see: Deaf Collaboration
Visibility: Networking also helps you increase your visibility and build your reputation. It is well accepted now, that ‘followers’ actually mean nothing. When you actually connect with others in your field or industry, you can establish yourself properly. This, in turn, can lead to new opportunities and help you build your personal knowledge and connections.
Support: Networking also provides you with support and encouragement. When you connect with others who share similar interests and goals, issues or experiences, you can find mentors, advisors, and advocates who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your personal and professional life.
Diversity: Networking also helps you embrace diversity and inclusion. When you connect with others from different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives, you can expand your horizons and gain new insights. Deaf people are extremely diverse and we all have different lives, experiences and opinions. This in turn, can lead to new ideas, innovations and solutions that benefit everyone. In Deaf Dynamics, our deaf network, we encourage everyone to be their true selves and to also respect others experiences and opinions. We break down barriers and stereotypes. We are dynamic.
Lastly and by no means least, networking is a powerful tool to aid your education and your mental health. Learning and sharing with others are vital to your wellbeing. It reduces feelings of isolation, being misunderstood and it grows your confidence. Deaf mental health is well documented to be much lower than average.
Additionally, networking can provide deaf opportunities for you to participate in advocacy events and promote greater awareness and understanding of deaf culture. This can help to reduce stigma and discrimination and promote more inclusivity. By taking part, deaf people can feel empowered and gain a sense of purpose and meaning.
There’s so much to gain from meeting other people. I know it can be exhausting. I know it can also be frustrating at times, but I urge you to reach out, get out and push your boundaries – you may surprise yourself! Especially since our Deaf Club Network is online! Join our deaf community here to meet other deaf people who are keen to welcome you, support, share and learn about your interests, goals and achievements!
