Trenton Has Deaf Residents Too — So Where Is the Plan for Us? Untitled

Trenton Has Deaf Residents Too — So Where Is the Plan for Us?

I would bet that many of the candidates running for Mayor of Trenton could not tell you that around 2,000 Trenton residents are estimated to be Deaf, hard of hearing, or have serious difficulty hearing.

But here is the bigger question:

How many of those candidates actually have a plan for us?

I grew up in Trenton. I have spent most of my life connected to this city, and I can honestly say that I cannot remember ever seeing a serious, consistent plan specifically addressing accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for Deaf residents.

That needs to change.

During every election season, we hear candidates talk about public safety, education, jobs, housing, recreation, entertainment, economic development, seniors, youth, and neighborhoods.

Those things are important.

But Deaf residents live in those same neighborhoods.

Deaf residents work.

Deaf residents raise families.

Deaf residents pay taxes.

Deaf residents attend events.

Deaf residents need emergency information.

Deaf residents vote.

So why are we so often treated like an afterthought?

One of my biggest frustrations has been community events and entertainment in Trenton. Places like the waterfront and Riverview have hosted artists and performances for years, yet accessibility for Deaf people has repeatedly been overlooked. I have personally raised concerns about interpreters and Deaf access more than once.

And this is not just about political events or city meetings.

What about concerts, celebrity appearances, and meet-and-greets?

If a celebrity or artist comes to Trenton and there is a meet-and-greet, hearing people can walk up, talk, ask questions, laugh, and have a real conversation.

But if there is no interpreter, what am I supposed to do?

I am Deaf. I want to talk too. I want to interact too. I want the same experience everybody else is getting.

Without an interpreter, that becomes another barrier.

Imagine showing up excited to meet an artist or celebrity, only to realize nobody thought about how a Deaf person would communicate with them. Hearing people get the full experience while Deaf people are left trying to figure it out on their own.

That is not full inclusion.

Accessibility is not just a ramp at the entrance.

Accessibility also means communication access.

Deaf people enjoy music, entertainment, festivals, celebrity appearances, and community events just like everyone else.

We should not have to stand on the outside watching hearing people enjoy an experience that was supposedly created for the whole community.

If Trenton says an event is for everyone, then make sure everyone can actually participate.

After a while, it becomes exhausting.

Deaf people should not have to educate the same institutions, organizations, and event organizers over and over again just to receive equal access.

We should not have to constantly remind people that

Deaf residents might attend an event.

We should not have to beg for an interpreter.

We should not have to find out after arriving somewhere that there is no accessibility.

And accessibility should not be something that gets discussed only after a Deaf person complains.

It should already be part of the plan.

The City of Trenton represents all of its residents — not only the people who can hear and speak.

That means major city events should have accessibility plans.

Public meetings should be accessible.

Political forums should be accessible.

Concerts and city-sponsored entertainment should consider Deaf access from the beginning.

Emergency announcements should be captioned and visually accessible.

City departments should know how to communicate with Deaf residents.

Qualified ASL interpreters should be available when needed.

Deaf residents should have representation when the city discusses disability and accessibility policies.

This election season, I am paying attention differently.

I do not just want to hear a candidate say, “We support everybody.”

I want details.

What is your plan for Deaf residents?

Will you budget for interpreters?

Will major city-sponsored events provide accessibility?

Will concerts, performances, and public entertainment include communication access?

Will City Hall have a clear system for Deaf residents requesting interpreters?

Will emergency information always be accessible?

Will Deaf residents actually have a seat at the table when decisions are being made about us?

And most importantly:

Have you ever even thought about us before being asked this question?

Because approximately 2,000 Deaf and hard-of-hearing residents should not suddenly become visible only during election season.

We have always been here.

This is not asking for special treatment.

This is asking for equal opportunity, equal access, inclusion, and respect.

Before I support anyone who wants to lead the City of Trenton, I want to know something simple:

Do you see us?

And if you do, what exactly are you going to do for the Deaf community once the election is over?

That is a question every candidate for Mayor of Trenton should be prepared to answer.

Silence Is The Loudest Sound.