Word of mouth brings deaf taxman brisk business

A Southland tax preparer sets up shop at a Starbucks in Norwalk and relies on the sign-language grapevine to draw in deaf and hard of hearing customers.

Gary Jacobson is passionate about helping deaf and hard of hearing people prepare their taxes. But instead of spending money on advertising, the 60-year-old accountant sets up a daylong clinic at a Starbucks in Norwalk.

Gary Jacobson, right, helps Renee Thomas and her husband, Matthew, prepare their 2009 taxes. Renee says she’s relied on Gary exclusively since she discovered him 10 years ago.

“Nothing saved,” Jacobson says to a client. “Not that much difference – $945.”

He’s unpacked his laptop, mouse, and a portable printer the size of a stapler at a window table toward the back of the coffee shop. Jacobson was born hearing-impaired. As a child, he learned how to read lips and speak. Tax preparation is his full-time job now.

“Gary is honest,” says Renee Thomas. “Not only that, he explains why they’re not getting a refund, or why they’re paying, in American Sign language.”….read more

Deaf Owned KFC in Egypt – what an inspiration!

I have never come across something as successful as this in my life, but especially coming from this country – It has got me thinking….. how advanced are they to give the deaf people living in Egypt – the same rights as the hearing people there.

Are we the western people that far behind or unbeknown to us there are many other deaf own business running under a brand company?

Let us know!