Transparency
By Tre Keys, FNRC Public Information Officer
REDDING, Calif. – As a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist at the Far Northern Regional Center (FNRC), Jessica Nestelroad is dedicated to improving accessibility and inclusion for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. From advocating for culturally competent services to ensuring proper safety measures in homes, her work spans outreach, training, and direct client support.
“My role is to do community outreach and resource development for the deaf and hard of hearing community,” Nestelroad said. “I coordinate with agencies to ensure communication needs are met and that cultural aspects are acknowledged.”
Nestelroad also works with service coordinators to connect clients with sign language interpreters, communication tools, and safety equipment, such as flashing doorbells and vibrating alarm clocks. One of her key initiatives is collaborating with agencies like the Red Cross to assess home safety for individuals who may not hear emergency alerts.
Despite FNRC’s efforts, Nestelroad highlights the unique challenges faced by deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Northern California’s rural communities. Limited access to audiologists, interpreters, and specialized programs remains a significant barrier.
“For instance, Modoc County has no audiologists, so families have to seek services outside the county,” she said. “It’s a struggle, but we’re working to identify more resources.”
Additionally, hiring staff who are fluent in sign language is difficult. Many potential employees opt for higher-paying jobs elsewhere, leaving some agencies struggling to provide adequate support for deaf clients.
Nestelroad’s passion for the field is deeply personal. Her brother unexpectedly lost much of his hearing overnight and while her brother gained most of his hearing back, he still struggles to understand others at times. This experience led her to study American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at California State University, Northridge.
“I fell in love with the culture, the community, and the language,” she said. “I realized I could make a bigger impact beyond interpreting, so I pursued a master’s degree in social work.”
This drive brought her to FNRC, where she now integrates inclusivity principles into regional services, advocating for equal access to communication and community engagement.
One of Nestelroad’s ongoing priorities is educating FNRC staff and local organizations about Deaf culture and accessibility. She conducts regular training sessions to help service coordinators understand communication preferences, avoid unintentional exclusion, and provide better support.
“A big part of my job is helping people recognize that sign language is a language, not just an accommodation,” she said. “For example, if you wouldn’t ignore a Spanish speaker in a conversation, you shouldn’t ignore a deaf person either.”
In collaboration with organizations like NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, FNRC works to enhance inclusivity at outreach events and workplace settings. Recently, a job developer attending one of Nestelroad’s trainings adjusted documentation terminology and encouraged staff to learn basic sign language, improving a deaf intern’s experience.
Looking ahead, Nestelroad hopes to expand FNRC’s impact by increasing vendor partnerships, securing more specialized service providers, and fostering stronger community relationships. She encourages other regional centers to actively engage with their local deaf communities and embrace direct interaction.
“Don’t just sit in the office,” she advised. “Go out there, meet people, and collaborate. Zoom is great, but it’s not the same as being in person.”
For individuals and families seeking support, Nestelroad recommends reaching out to FNRC, NorCal Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and other advocacy organizations to ensure they receive the resources they need.
“Deaf individuals have thoughts, feelings, and voices,” she said. “They deserve to be included, not isolated.”