Abstract
<p>This study surveyed leadership programs operating for and by the Deaf community through questionnaire and interview data. Three categories of leadership development were identified as currently operating in the United States for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: youth leadership programs, special interest mentoring groups, and formal leadership training programs focused on professional development and leadership skills. In addition, this study identified common leadership traits and training methods within these programs. Using a randomized list of leadership traits, valued characteristics were identified. The traits chosen most often were empowerment, advocacy, and decision making skills.</p>
