The DeafLoud project aims to bring a stronger and louder voice of deaf people in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia at local, regional, and global levels. In Vietnam, the deaf population is estimated at2.5 million, while it is around 19 thousand in Laos and 51 thousand in Cambodia. Regarding the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): Cambodia signed (2007) and ratified in (2012); Laos ratified in 2009; and Vietnam signed in 2007 and ratified in 2015.

However, a gap between these policies and their implementation remains significant: persons with disabilities, including the deaf do not actually benefit from the policies or have opportunities to execute their rights. The needs and issues of the deaf remain invisible to the broader population and largely unaddressed.

DeafLoud focuses on four key issues:

(i) the government has some attention on the deaf community however they do not provide full and direct participation of deaf people in policy making process and other projects that impacts deaf people’s lives (Article 24 ”Education” and Article 30“Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport ”UNCRPD);

(ii) lack of opportunities and access in education employment, training, personal development which limit deaf people to live independently and to stand for themselves (Article 9”Accessibility” UNCRPD);

(iii) lack of safe space to discuss their common issues and capacity to organise themselves as groups or alliances from making their voices heard (Article 21 “Freedom of Expression and opinion, and access to information” UNCRPD);

(iv) lack of a strong network in advocating for their rights and make a louder voice.

The main objectives of DeafLoud are:

(i) Empower deaf people in three countries by building skills in sign language, leadership, policy influencing through training,community meetings, public discussion

(ii) Amplify the voices of deaf people by providing opportunities for them to share their perspectives through raising awareness campaigns

(iii) Build a network of deaf clubs in different regions within the countries and also a network of the deaf community in the Mekong region to bring a stronger voice at the regional level to the global level to fight stigmatisation against the deaf.

In each country, the activities focus on important issues raised by the local deaf community. In Vietnam, the project raises deaf awareness to the government and the public; empower and build a stronger network of deaf clubs throughout the country. In Laos, the need to develop Laotian Sign Language and empower deaf community is essential.More deaf clubs in different provinces are established to create safe spaces for deaf people. In Cambodia, there is no deaf-led organisation or formal group existing yet. With DeafLoud, PARD Vietnam works together and share their empowerment journey with Phnom Penh Deaf Club to build on their confidence, leadership skills and be independent to lead their community.

PARD Vietnam is the new name for HandSpeak Vietnam – the first winners of the NOW-Us! Award in 2018 having implemented two Voice grants:

Empowering Cambodian and Vietnamese Deaf

Brighten Vietnamese Sign Language

DeafLoud – Amplifying Deaf Voices Across Southeast Asia 

For too long, deaf communities in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have struggled with limited access to education, employment, and representation. Without formal support systems, many deaf individuals face discrimination, isolation, and barriers to public participation. In response, the DeafLoud initiative—led by PARD, AFD, LDWDC, and PPDC, with support from Voice—has worked to empower deaf leaders, strengthen networks, and transform societal perceptions of deaf identity. 

One of the most groundbreaking achievements of this project has been the establishment of 25 deaf clubs in Vietnam and the strengthening of regional collaboration across Southeast Asia. Through capacity-building training, sign language education, and leadership programs, deaf individuals are now organizing their own workshops, advocating for their rights, and even securing funding for community projects. 

Additionally, DeafLoud’s advocacy efforts have gained international recognition. From deaf-led workshops with UNDP, WFD, and Oxfam to presenting at the World Federation of the Deaf Conference, this initiative has successfully placed deaf voices at the center of policy discussions. 

Lessons Learned: What Worked and What Can Improve 

One of the biggest lessons from DeafLoud has been the power of community-led initiatives. When given the tools and training, deaf individuals can drive their own advocacy and development efforts. The success of the NOW-Deaf Awards, which funded six deaf-led projects, is a testament to how small grants can create lasting change when communities take ownership of their initiatives. 

However, challenges remain. Many government agencies in Laos and Cambodia lack awareness about deaf rights, making policy advocacy an uphill battle. The process of establishing an MOU with the government in Laos revealed the obstacles of engaging authorities, highlighting the need for stronger government partnerships and continuous advocacy. 

Another key challenge was bridging communication gaps between different sign languages and cultures. DeafLoud successfully addressed this by promoting International Signs training, allowing participants from different countries to collaborate effectively. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of Deaf Advocacy in Southeast Asia 

While DeafLoud has made remarkable progress, the movement for deaf rights and inclusion is far from over. Moving forward, the project aims to: 

• Establish a National Deaf Association in Vietnam, ensuring sustainable representation. 

• Expand Sign Language News Programs to reach more deaf communities. 

• Strengthen advocacy efforts for policy change, pushing for deaf-friendly public services in Laos and Cambodia. 

• Enhance economic opportunities by supporting deaf entrepreneurs and vocational training programs. 

Through empowerment, advocacy, and innovation, DeafLoud has redefined what it means to be deaf in Southeast Asia. By continuing to amplify deaf voices, this initiative is creating a world where the deaf community is not just heard—but truly seen and included.