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Deaf community asks lawmakers for better business supports and inclusive hiring
Summary
At the forum, David Bull urged action to support deaf-owned businesses and broader accessibility; legislators pledged follow-up, local partnerships and accommodations to help deaf entrepreneurs and jobseekers.
During the public-comment portion, David Bull, a longtime Clark County resident and advocate, described declines in deaf-owned businesses and urged lawmakers to study what Texas and other states do to support deaf entrepreneurship and hiring.
Bull said deaf workers and business owners face barriers to hiring and sustaining enterprises and cited examples of deaf-owned businesses that closed or relocated. He asked elected officials what states like Texas do differently to create opportunities.
Responses and commitments: Rep. Monica Stonier thanked Bull for regular advocacy, said the community has helped secure interpreters at local town halls and recommended local partnerships — chambers of commerce and community organizations — to bolster capacity for deaf-owned firms. Rep. April Berg offered to follow up offline and coordinate conversations with stakeholders and fiscal chairs. Mark Armstrong and Elizabeth New suggested employers focus on qualifications and highlighted available assistive tools and accommodations.
Implication: Legislators committed to further conversations and local outreach to identify practical steps to expand hiring and support for deaf entrepreneurs.
