About IDE
Born from crisis. Driven by community.
International Deaf Emergency was founded because the world's emergency systems were never designed for deaf people. We exist to change that — permanently.
Our Mission
IDE works to provide humanitarian protection and assistance for deaf people in the wake of disasters, and to ensure full communication access at all times.
We are not a charity that helps deaf people. We are a deaf-led organization that builds the capacity of deaf communities to protect themselves. Our approach centers on the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us” — deaf people must be at the planning table, not just consulted after decisions are made.
Our Journey
Founded After Haiti Earthquake
One month after the devastating earthquake, Emmanuel Jacq — a deaf officer at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. — traveled to Haiti and witnessed the complete communication isolation of the deaf community. IDE was born.
Haiti Operations
Organized the first accessible humanitarian camp in history for 400+ deaf and disabled refugees. Built 160+ houses, an inclusive school, and created 9 businesses. Recruited 50+ deaf refugees into the construction workforce.
Capacity Building Expands
Trained 400+ individuals across Haiti, Jordan, Colombia, Senegal, China, and Nepal on UNCRPD, disaster risk reduction, advocacy, and organizational development.
UN World Humanitarian Summit
Listed on the UN Agenda for Humanity platform with 6 commitments. Strengthened relationships with OCHA and the European Union of the Deaf.
Building National Deaf Organizations
Created Haiti's first National Federation of the Deaf. Trained 12 local deaf organizations and established 6 new organizations in rural areas. Continuing to build capacity worldwide.
Leadership
Emmanuel Jacq
Founder & Executive Director
Deaf advocate and humanitarian. Former officer at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. Founded IDE after witnessing the communication crisis facing Haiti's deaf community after the 2010 earthquake.
Stephen Hlibok
President, Board of Directors
From the prominent Hlibok deaf advocacy family. His brother Greg Hlibok was a leader of the historic 1988 "Deaf President Now" movement at Gallaudet University — a watershed moment in deaf rights history.
Recognition & Partnerships
United Nations
Consultative status with the UN. Listed on the UN Agenda for Humanity with 6 commitments from the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit.
World Federation of the Deaf
International Member of the WFD, the global organization representing approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide.
501(c)(3) Status
Registered US nonprofit (EIN: 27-3191911). All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
OCHA
Working relationship with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on deaf-inclusive disaster response.
European Union of the Deaf
Partnership with EUD to advance deaf rights and emergency access across Europe.
Disability Rights Fund
Grant recipient for capacity building programs supporting deaf organizations in Haiti and beyond.