There are more than 50 million (or approximately 15%) persons with disabilities living in Latin America and the Caribbean: 80 percent live in impoverished conditions, lack employment, and encounter social exclusion. Deaf and hard of hearing persons are particularly impacted as they are frequently denied access to most sectors of society. This includes limited availability of trained and qualified sign language interpreters, ineffective or under-enforced deaf-related legislation, inaccessible telecommunication services, the absence of bilingual education, inadequate employment opportunities, no official recognition of a distinct language and culture, and the widespread lack of knowledge and awareness of the situation of deaf and hard of hearing individuals. In contrast, the Deaf Uruguayan community has effectively mobilized to implement significant deaf-related programs, policies, and laws. This dissertation is a case study of the Deaf Uruguayan community in Montevideo.

The research draws on an identity-based grassroots development and social movement framework to provide insight into the development and sustainability of this unique community. Qualitative data was gathered over a 12-month period through in-depth interviews with 14 community leaders and 12 community members, extensive participant observation, and document analysis. The findings of the research illustrate effective strategies of collective leadership, strong intra-group networks, Deaf and hearing alliances within and outside the community, the use of interpreters, accessible education, and media and technology. In addition, the research demonstrates a different path of community cohesion and integration into majority society structures. These strategies contribute to community empowerment and continued efforts in gaining achievements.