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)
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!
In Ecuador, 78% of deaf students struggle to concentrate in school due to lack of accessible communication. Education should empower, not exclude.
September 25, 2025 at 5:04 PM
In Ecuador, 78% of deaf students struggle to concentrate in school due to lack of accessible communication. Education should empower, not exclude.
78% of Deaf Ecuadorians face difficulties with transportation. At GDRI, we are committed to push for safer and more accessible travel for all.
September 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
78% of Deaf Ecuadorians face difficulties with transportation. At GDRI, we are committed to push for safer and more accessible travel for all.
GDRI board member Robert Gray—a seasoned expert in Computer Science with a career that spans programming, management consulting, and large-scale project management.
September 17, 2025 at 5:01 PM
GDRI board member Robert Gray—a seasoned expert in Computer Science with a career that spans programming, management consulting, and large-scale project management.
"I would strengthen laws to require employers to hire disabled people, in all jobs, not just executive ones." - Deaf participant, Ecuador. 81% of Deaf Ecuadorians are dissatisfied with their work capacity.
September 11, 2025 at 6:15 PM
"I would strengthen laws to require employers to hire disabled people, in all jobs, not just executive ones." - Deaf participant, Ecuador. 81% of Deaf Ecuadorians are dissatisfied with their work capacity.
Introducing GDRI board member, Robb Adams—a licensed attorney with a passion for helping others thrive. A member of the State Bar of California, the U.S. District Court Bar, and the American Bar Association, Robb brings legal expertise to the table with a twist.
September 8, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Introducing GDRI board member, Robb Adams—a licensed attorney with a passion for helping others thrive. A member of the State Bar of California, the U.S. District Court Bar, and the American Bar Association, Robb brings legal expertise to the table with a twist.
Many Deaf Ecuadorians face challenges finding stable housing. Our research shows that 55% do not own a home, and 55% still live with their parents.
September 4, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Many Deaf Ecuadorians face challenges finding stable housing. Our research shows that 55% do not own a home, and 55% still live with their parents.
Introducing GDRI board member Joshua Josa—an Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategist with a powerful track record in disability-inclusive education. Joshua’s previous work at USAID has been instrumental in building foundations for disability inclusion and coordinating regional trainings.
September 1, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Introducing GDRI board member Joshua Josa—an Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategist with a powerful track record in disability-inclusive education. Joshua’s previous work at USAID has been instrumental in building foundations for disability inclusion and coordinating regional trainings.
Education opens doors. In Ecuador, 60% of Deaf children attend schools for the Deaf at the primary level, but this number drops to just 39% in secondary education. This gap highlights the ongoing challenges Deaf Ecuadorians face in accessing equal education.
August 28, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Education opens doors. In Ecuador, 60% of Deaf children attend schools for the Deaf at the primary level, but this number drops to just 39% in secondary education. This gap highlights the ongoing challenges Deaf Ecuadorians face in accessing equal education.
Introducing GDRI board member, Leila Hanaumi—a marketing and branding expert with over a decade of experience working with Deaf-owned companies and organizations. Leila specializes in mission and vision consulting, helping organizations align their goals with their purpose.
August 25, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Introducing GDRI board member, Leila Hanaumi—a marketing and branding expert with over a decade of experience working with Deaf-owned companies and organizations. Leila specializes in mission and vision consulting, helping organizations align their goals with their purpose.
We’re excited to share the results of our research trip to Ecuador! Each week, we’ll highlight a key finding about the experiences of Deaf Ecuadorians, starting today. A full report will be available in a few months, stay tuned!
August 21, 2025 at 5:04 PM
We’re excited to share the results of our research trip to Ecuador! Each week, we’ll highlight a key finding about the experiences of Deaf Ecuadorians, starting today. A full report will be available in a few months, stay tuned!
Meet GDRI board member Dr. Beth Benedict—a true pioneer in early intervention with 35 years of experience. Having given over 200 presentations and authored countless publications, Dr. Benedict’s work has earned recognition on local, state, national, and international levels.
August 18, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Meet GDRI board member Dr. Beth Benedict—a true pioneer in early intervention with 35 years of experience. Having given over 200 presentations and authored countless publications, Dr. Benedict’s work has earned recognition on local, state, national, and international levels.
Meet GDRI’s Treasurer, Randal Pituk—entrepreneur, artist, and community builder. As the owner of Inka’s Screen Printing in Austin, TX, Randal brings over a decade of experience in the printing industry, blending craftsmanship with creativity.
August 11, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Meet GDRI’s Treasurer, Randal Pituk—entrepreneur, artist, and community builder. As the owner of Inka’s Screen Printing in Austin, TX, Randal brings over a decade of experience in the printing industry, blending craftsmanship with creativity.
Say hello to GDRI’s Vice Chair, Jack Z. Ludwig—a true change agent. As a project manager, entrepreneur, educator, and community leader, Jack somehow fits 36 hours of brilliance into a 24-hour day.
August 4, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Say hello to GDRI’s Vice Chair, Jack Z. Ludwig—a true change agent. As a project manager, entrepreneur, educator, and community leader, Jack somehow fits 36 hours of brilliance into a 24-hour day.
Meet GDRI board chair Dr. Emily Jo Noschese - a powerhouse in bilingual education, sign language linguistics, and deaf-centered advocacy. As an assistant professor at Wayne State University, she’s building an ASL program from the ground up and working to launch a new deaf education initiative.
July 28, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Meet GDRI board chair Dr. Emily Jo Noschese - a powerhouse in bilingual education, sign language linguistics, and deaf-centered advocacy. As an assistant professor at Wayne State University, she’s building an ASL program from the ground up and working to launch a new deaf education initiative.
GDRI joined the panel hosted by the Collaborative on Citizen Data to discuss data for intersectionality and persons with disabilities, with a focus on leveraging both citizen-generated and qualitative data.
July 25, 2025 at 3:37 PM
GDRI joined the panel hosted by the Collaborative on Citizen Data to discuss data for intersectionality and persons with disabilities, with a focus on leveraging both citizen-generated and qualitative data.
Food insecurity and limited access to sanitation deeply affect their quality of life. GDRI is calling for urgent action to make water, food, and support services accessible for all.
Learn more: bit.ly/water4nigeria
Learn more: bit.ly/water4nigeria
July 16, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Food insecurity and limited access to sanitation deeply affect their quality of life. GDRI is calling for urgent action to make water, food, and support services accessible for all.
Learn more: bit.ly/water4nigeria
Learn more: bit.ly/water4nigeria
GDRI is currently advocating for deaf rights at the United Nations conference. They are working on building networks with key organizations and creating opportunities for a more inclusive future!
June 11, 2025 at 9:46 PM
GDRI is currently advocating for deaf rights at the United Nations conference. They are working on building networks with key organizations and creating opportunities for a more inclusive future!
Mental health struggles are a reality for many Deaf Nigerians. At GDRI, we’re committed to providing the support and resources needed to promote mental well-being for all. To support us in this mission, visit our website and consider donating via www.globalgiving.org/projects/sup...
May 12, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Mental health struggles are a reality for many Deaf Nigerians. At GDRI, we’re committed to providing the support and resources needed to promote mental well-being for all. To support us in this mission, visit our website and consider donating via www.globalgiving.org/projects/sup...