DSU Interview: Ryien Blackwood Smith

Ryien Blackwood Smith: Empowered & resourceful.

“I love educating both sides whether it be hearing individuals interested in creating more safe accessible and inclusive spaces as well as people who just be starting out on their deaf identity journey.”

Having a safe space can make a significant impact on the path to discovering your Deaf identity. Ryien Blackwood Smith, founder/owner of For The Deaf Girl, was hard-of-hearing from birth. When she went to college she found a welcoming Deaf community, and consequently she developed her own sense of belonging and identity.

“I was able to be connected with an amazing deaf community and they really just empowered me to explore what my deafness meant to me and what accommodations worked best.” And this is how she uncovered her new business concept.

Ryien’s business offers a variety of services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. They have an online blog that spotlights the stories of Deaf and hard-of-hearing women and their diverse experiences as well as different free materials to put into the hands of Deaf individuals and their families. She focuses on teaching all communities that Deaf is a culture with its own unique language. She offers support and education to Deaf individuals on how to recognize their own identities and express their needs for accommodations.

Watch our interview with Deaf creator and business owner Ryien Blackwood Smith as we learn more about the advocacy brand For The Deaf Girl! Be sure to follow on Instagram and Facebook @ForTheDeafGirl. Visit their website: ForTheDeafGirl.com

Watch Video