Monroe County Executive Bello and Rochester Mayor Evans unveil DEC initiative to embed Deaf community voices in Monroe County policymaking and foster systemic change

Monroe County, New York – In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Mayor Malik Evans announced the formation of the Deaf Equity Council (DEC) today. This council is designed to serve as a transformative body, driving systemic change and enhancing the lives of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing individuals across Monroe County.

“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.”

“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.”

The legislative framework and community involvement are also vital components of the DEC’s mission. Legislature President Yversha Roman underscored the universal right to language access, stating, “Ensuring equitable communication is not only vital for our Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing neighbors—it strengthens our entire community.”

“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.

The DEC will focus on several key areas including conducting community outreach to ascertain the needs of the Deaf community, advising on policy formulations, ensuring that legislative efforts consider the needs of Deaf individuals, and fostering stronger connections with local government bodies. The council also upholds the right to American Sign Language and other sign languages as fundamental human rights, aiming to diminish disparities in language access and improve the overall quality of life for its community members.

The council comprises diverse members from various backgrounds, each bringing unique knowledge and expertise to the table. Membership is open to those living or working in Monroe County and those dedicated to the well-being of its Deaf community. The council plans to meet bi-monthly and form sub-committees to focus on specific issues.

“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, DEC representative.

An information session for those interested in joining or learning more about the Deaf Equity Council will be held at the Henrietta Library on April 16. For more engagement, residents can contact the council via a dedicated Video Phone Number, email, or visit the official Monroe County website.