Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI)
@globaldeafresearch.org
GDRI is a deaf-led research non-profit organization founded with the goal of bettering the lives of deaf people and their communities around the world through the collection, analysis and effective dissemination of robust data. (www.globaldeafresearch.org)
Pinned
Deaf Community Research: Dominican Republic!
The Global Deaf Research Institute is raising funds for our next deployment of the Deaf Community Research initiative, taking place in the Dominican Republic Summer 2025!
givebutter.com
We're excited to be moving into the planning phase for our next long-term research deployment in Dominican Republic! Please, consider donating. This will support the collection of data that will have a positive impact on the lives of the deaf people in the Dominican Republic.
givebutter.com/5Wqc8R
givebutter.com/5Wqc8R
Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) and University of Utah contributed to research on diabetes technology for deaf people. They examined how diabetes technology fails to meet the accessibility needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) people.
February 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) and University of Utah contributed to research on diabetes technology for deaf people. They examined how diabetes technology fails to meet the accessibility needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) people.
Research shows that 75% of deaf Ecuadorians do not have enough energy to meet the demands of daily life.
February 5, 2026 at 6:04 PM
Research shows that 75% of deaf Ecuadorians do not have enough energy to meet the demands of daily life.
GDRI will participate in a webinar on guidance on intersectionality. The speakers will discuss how intersectionality shows how multiple identities intersect to shape lived experiences, and how these insights can be used to strengthen data systems and inform intersectional approaches in their work.
February 3, 2026 at 2:31 PM
GDRI will participate in a webinar on guidance on intersectionality. The speakers will discuss how intersectionality shows how multiple identities intersect to shape lived experiences, and how these insights can be used to strengthen data systems and inform intersectional approaches in their work.
In light of recent events, it’s more important than ever to come together and support one another as a community. Deaf communities are being impacted by ICE, and their experiences must be documented so we can better understand how to mobilize and protect our community.
January 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM
In light of recent events, it’s more important than ever to come together and support one another as a community. Deaf communities are being impacted by ICE, and their experiences must be documented so we can better understand how to mobilize and protect our community.
Intern Testimonial: Ciara Luttrell
Ciara has been interning with us since May. She is here to share her experiences in analyzing data and contributing to projects that promote accessible and equal treatment for deaf people worldwide. We are truly grateful to have her on our team!
Ciara has been interning with us since May. She is here to share her experiences in analyzing data and contributing to projects that promote accessible and equal treatment for deaf people worldwide. We are truly grateful to have her on our team!
January 26, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Intern Testimonial: Ciara Luttrell
Ciara has been interning with us since May. She is here to share her experiences in analyzing data and contributing to projects that promote accessible and equal treatment for deaf people worldwide. We are truly grateful to have her on our team!
Ciara has been interning with us since May. She is here to share her experiences in analyzing data and contributing to projects that promote accessible and equal treatment for deaf people worldwide. We are truly grateful to have her on our team!
Research findings show that 86% of deaf Ecuadorians are not satisfied with their health, highlighting significant barriers to accessible medical care.
January 22, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Research findings show that 86% of deaf Ecuadorians are not satisfied with their health, highlighting significant barriers to accessible medical care.
A report highlighting the financial struggles of deaf Ecuadorians, revealing that 93% of them do not have enough income to meet their needs.
January 15, 2026 at 6:03 PM
A report highlighting the financial struggles of deaf Ecuadorians, revealing that 93% of them do not have enough income to meet their needs.
Battery access shouldn’t be a barrier, yet 84% of deaf Ecuadorians can’t get the replacements they need.
January 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Battery access shouldn’t be a barrier, yet 84% of deaf Ecuadorians can’t get the replacements they need.
As we entered the new year with many exciting updates and objectives, we first reflected on our accomplishments in 2025. The end-of-year report highlights our proudest work in ensuring full access and an improved quality of life for deaf people.
January 6, 2026 at 10:31 PM
As we entered the new year with many exciting updates and objectives, we first reflected on our accomplishments in 2025. The end-of-year report highlights our proudest work in ensuring full access and an improved quality of life for deaf people.
Education access remains unequal, here’s how deaf Ecuadorians' school levels break down.
January 3, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Education access remains unequal, here’s how deaf Ecuadorians' school levels break down.
Happy New Year!
GDRI is excited to have support from All Hands On as Levi is cycling around Taiwan for 3 weeks to raise funds and awareness for us. Please follow him on this adventure! We are grateful for his commitment and would appreciate your support as well.
GDRI is excited to have support from All Hands On as Levi is cycling around Taiwan for 3 weeks to raise funds and awareness for us. Please follow him on this adventure! We are grateful for his commitment and would appreciate your support as well.
January 1, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Happy New Year!
GDRI is excited to have support from All Hands On as Levi is cycling around Taiwan for 3 weeks to raise funds and awareness for us. Please follow him on this adventure! We are grateful for his commitment and would appreciate your support as well.
GDRI is excited to have support from All Hands On as Levi is cycling around Taiwan for 3 weeks to raise funds and awareness for us. Please follow him on this adventure! We are grateful for his commitment and would appreciate your support as well.
We're thrilled to announce that the Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) and Deaf Worlds (DDW) have formed a partnership to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for deaf people around the world!
December 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
We're thrilled to announce that the Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) and Deaf Worlds (DDW) have formed a partnership to ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for deaf people around the world!
77% of deaf Ecuadorians don’t trust interpreters.
December 26, 2025 at 6:03 PM
77% of deaf Ecuadorians don’t trust interpreters.
Eight years. That’s the average delay between hearing loss and getting access to sign language or hearing aids in Ecuador.
December 18, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Eight years. That’s the average delay between hearing loss and getting access to sign language or hearing aids in Ecuador.
91% of Deaf Ecuadorians are unsatisfied with their care, many lack accommodations, and over half can’t afford it.
December 4, 2025 at 6:05 PM
91% of Deaf Ecuadorians are unsatisfied with their care, many lack accommodations, and over half can’t afford it.
Access to information is essential. Yet, 88% of Deaf Ecuadorians don’t have access to the information they need for daily life.
November 27, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Access to information is essential. Yet, 88% of Deaf Ecuadorians don’t have access to the information they need for daily life.
73% of Deaf Ecuadorians say there aren’t enough interpreters, and 85% feel many aren’t qualified or clear.
November 20, 2025 at 6:03 PM
73% of Deaf Ecuadorians say there aren’t enough interpreters, and 85% feel many aren’t qualified or clear.
86% of Deaf Ecuadorians who don’t know sign language want to learn Ecuadorian Sign Language (LSEC) but access and affordability remain major barriers.
November 13, 2025 at 6:03 PM
86% of Deaf Ecuadorians who don’t know sign language want to learn Ecuadorian Sign Language (LSEC) but access and affordability remain major barriers.
Most Deaf Ecuadorians lack the accommodations they need - 88% in primary, 89% in secondary, and 84% in higher education.
November 6, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Most Deaf Ecuadorians lack the accommodations they need - 88% in primary, 89% in secondary, and 84% in higher education.
“Sometimes we have to take 2 or 3 buses just to get to a deaf school.” – Deaf participant, Ecuador. 86% of deaf Ecuadorians are NOT satisfied with transportation. Nearly half say it’s NOT affordable. Access shouldn't depend on your wallet or location.
October 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM
“Sometimes we have to take 2 or 3 buses just to get to a deaf school.” – Deaf participant, Ecuador. 86% of deaf Ecuadorians are NOT satisfied with transportation. Nearly half say it’s NOT affordable. Access shouldn't depend on your wallet or location.
Deaf Ecuadorians earn a median of $320/month, yet 46% live below the poverty line. We must push for greater economic inclusion and opportunity.
October 23, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Deaf Ecuadorians earn a median of $320/month, yet 46% live below the poverty line. We must push for greater economic inclusion and opportunity.
Did you know that 38% of deaf people in Ecuador are unemployed or in unpaid roles? A participant said it best: “Support centers can train them so they can work.” Let’s build a more inclusive future!"
October 16, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Did you know that 38% of deaf people in Ecuador are unemployed or in unpaid roles? A participant said it best: “Support centers can train them so they can work.” Let’s build a more inclusive future!"
50% of Deaf Ecuadorians have been misdiagnosed or misunderstood in healthcare due to communication barriers.
October 9, 2025 at 5:05 PM
50% of Deaf Ecuadorians have been misdiagnosed or misunderstood in healthcare due to communication barriers.
73% of deaf Ecuadorians do not feel safe in their daily lives, 84% report unhealthy physical environments, and 83% are dissatisfied with their living conditions.
October 2, 2025 at 5:05 PM
73% of deaf Ecuadorians do not feel safe in their daily lives, 84% report unhealthy physical environments, and 83% are dissatisfied with their living conditions.
Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) is now a certified member of the World Health Organization’s Disability Health Equity Network!
September 29, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI) is now a certified member of the World Health Organization’s Disability Health Equity Network!