
International Deaf Emergency
Deaf people are 4x more likely to die in disasters.[source]
We're changing that. IDE reduces disaster risk for deaf communities worldwide through preparedness, advocacy, and systemic inclusion — aligned with the UN Sendai Framework.
160+
Houses Built
400+
People Trained
16+
Years of Impact
18+
Organizations Created
The Problem
Emergency systems worldwide are built for hearing people. When disaster strikes, deaf communities are left behind.
Can't hear emergency sirens
Audio-based warnings — sirens, loudspeakers, radio — are completely inaccessible to deaf people.
Can't call 911 by voice
Over 60% of the US and nearly 100% of the developing world has no text-based emergency calling.
Shelters have no interpreters
Evacuation shelters operate on audio-only announcements. No sign language, no visual alerts, for days.
80% live in developing countries
466 million people have disabling hearing loss. Most live where accessible emergency infrastructure doesn't exist.
Prepare. Advocate. Respond.
IDE works across the full disaster cycle — with the priority on acting before disasters occur.

Prepare
Disaster risk reduction and community preparedness. Training deaf communities and national associations before disasters occur.

Advocate
Making existing emergency systems accessible. Influencing laws, policies, and humanitarian frameworks to include deaf communities by design.

Respond
Emergency support when disasters strike. Financial aid, coordination with the World Federation of the Deaf, and local response through national deaf associations.
Our Work in Action
From emergency response to sustainable communities — see the impact of Relief, Build, and Empower across Haiti, Nepal, and beyond.

160+ houses built for deaf families, Haiti

Building homes after the earthquake

Deaf-led construction crews at work

Relief assessment, Nepal earthquake

Deaf workers trained in construction, Haiti

Disaster preparedness training
“Deaf people continue to die in disasters not because of their deafness but because of society's failure to communicate with them.”
Your donation saves deaf lives.
$25 provides an emergency communication kit for a deaf family. $100 funds disaster risk reduction training for a deaf community.
Donate Now501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible · UN Consultative Status · World Federation of the Deaf Member · 15+ Years of Impact