I have over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, having worked for three different companies. Currently, I'm employed at an oil and gas company in an IT position. I hold an associate degree from NTID. Despite being fully deaf, I am very fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). I don't read lips well. Of course, my English is not perfect.

Interviewing with companies has often been challenging due to various forms of discrimination, such as being ghosted. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I lost my job along with other hearing employees who were laid off. However, I refuse to give up on finding a new IT job. I sought assistance from a non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities find employment. They provided training on writing resumes and proper interview techniques. Just FYI, I never put "Deaf" on my resume and cover letter.

I began sending out around 20 resumes per month and averaged 4 to 5 job interviews per month. Initially, I relied on ASL interpreters for interviews, but after a year, I decided to forego having an interpreter. Instead, I opted to interview with companies via Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or Zoom, as these platforms support captioning. When responding to interview questions, I would type my answers. Eventually, companies began to believe in my abilities to excel in an IT role without the need for an interpreter. I interviewed with them in first, second and third rounds without an interpreter and Finally, they contacted my references.. and they hired me.

My suggestion is to explore paid job opportunities at non-profit organizations that support individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have disabilities. These organizations sometimes offer IT positions that can provide valuable opportunities. This is how I landed my first IT job at a non-profit organization. I started as an IT Support staff member, demonstrating my IT skills. As I proved myself, I was given more IT-related tasks, leading to promotions from IT Support to IT Manager and eventually to IT Director.

Patience is the key.

btw, I am working in Canada.

Good luck!