At the Seattle Schools Board meeting on May 14, 2025, a powerful call to action emerged from advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) community, demanding meaningful change and accountability from school leadership. The meeting highlighted ongoing frustrations over the district's handling of accessibility issues and discrimination against DHH individuals.

One speaker emphasized the need for the district to honor the years of advocacy from the hard of hearing community, stating, "We need to do better. We have the ability to do better." This sentiment resonated throughout the meeting, as advocates expressed their dissatisfaction with past apologies and listening sessions that have not led to substantial improvements.

Susanna Balestrachi, representing the DHH community, read statements from fellow advocates, including Laura Grama, who called for the establishment of a task force to address pressing issues such as ADA access and anti-ableism initiatives. Grama's statement urged the board to provide specific plans and policies to rectify the harm done to DHH individuals, questioning the promotion of staff who discriminate against these communities.

The advocates also proposed the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative focused on combating ableism and audism within the district. They stressed the importance of cultural sensitivity training for staff and education on ADA compliance.

In closing, the DHH community's message was clear: they seek less talk and more action from Seattle Public Schools. The board's response to these demands will be crucial in determining the future of accessibility and inclusion for DHH students in the district.