Deaf Refugee Scholarship Fund

Want to join me in making a difference? We are raising money to benefit the Himalayan Foundation-USA/World Deaf Refugee Day, and any donation will help create an impact. Thanks in advance for contributing to this cause, which means so much to us.

In 2011, one young family stepped off a plane and into their new lives in the United States. As Deaf refugees from Bhutan, Bhawani Dangal, his wife Damanta, and their young son faced many obstacles to their pursuit of the American Dream. Because they were Deaf, many refugee services, such as cultural orientation and English classes, were inaccessible. They didn’t know American Sign Language (ASL), so their access to the American Deaf community was limited. 

Deaf refugees - who come from countries as diverse as Bhutan, Syria, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Ukraine and the Democratic Republic of the Congo - are often isolated from their culture, other Deaf people, and even their own families. In many countries, they are less than second-class citizens. 

Social media has enabled Deaf refugees from around the country, such as Bhawani and Damanta, to connect. 

In June 2023, Deaf refugees from around the U.S. and internationally will come together at the World Deaf Refugee Conference to meet, learn, and let their voices be heard. 

Deaf refugees are rich in hope, enthusiasm, and courage. They have amazing stories to tell about their journeys—stories that medical professionals, interpreters, refugee resettlement agencies, and all the rest of us need to hear.

But often, Deaf refugees cannot cover transportation costs and accommodations to participate in events such as the World Deaf Refugee Conference. Your donation will help them participate in this historic gathering to advocate and build a community for Deaf refugees worldwide. 

With lots of help from friends, Bhawani and Damanta learned ASL, learned to drive and bought a car, and found employment. But all around him, Bhawani saw other Deaf refugees who needed support, so he started his ASL and cultural orientation classes. He interpreted for people who only knew Nepali Sign Language, giving them access to medical and social services in the U.S. 

His and other stories will be recorded during the conference and available to the public.

Every Sign, Voice, and Action Count!

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WDRD2023