Many deaf individuals are following their passions and becoming their own boss. This is especially notable because it’s hard enough for anyone in this day and age, let alone being a deaf entrepreneur. We live in a time where economic, political, and social landscapes are vastly evolving, all amidst a global pandemic that drastically reduced job opportunities. For members of the deaf community, there exists a whole scope of other challenges to consider, including employers not complying with anti-discrimination laws.

This month Hearing Like Me set out to find deaf-led businesses around the globe. I was astounded at the accomplishments I encountered, and the brilliant people behind them. Here are the deaf entrepreneurs breaking down the stigmas that surround deafness and working life.

Mark Burke, Jon Cetrano, and Sam Costner

First on our list of deaf entrepreneurs are Mark Burke, Jon Cetrano, and Sam Costner, the three deaf founders and owners of Streetcar 82 Brewery in Hyattsville, Maryland. Located just a stone’s throw away from Gallaudet University, (where all three of them graduated) the brewery has the support of a large deaf community.

After a brief stint away from home, all three men found themselves back on the East coast. One night when they were all together drinking their home brewed beer, they realized there was nothing stopping them from doing it professionally. From there, they did the necessary research and made their business pitch at Gallaudet. They didn’t win first place, but they did win Audience’s Favorite. This was proof that the beer brought the community together, and the push they needed to keep going. It wasn’t long before they opened Streetcar 82 in a converted auto repair garage. It has become hugely successful and remains the only deaf-owned brewery on the East coast.

All of the staff is deaf and use American Sign Language (ASL). In addition to providing job opportunities for the deaf community, the owners collaborate with Gallaudet to mentor younger students who want to build their own businesses.

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