Terms of
Service.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using DeafMonitor ("the Platform," "the Site," "we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to all of these Terms, do not use the Platform. These Terms apply to all visitors, registered users, subscribers, and anyone who accesses or uses the Platform in any way.

We may update these Terms from time to time. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Description of Service

DeafMonitor is a community platform for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community that provides the following services:

• News Aggregation — We aggregate Deaf community news from a broad network of trusted Deaf-led, mainstream, and community sources. We are not a news publisher and do not produce original reporting unless explicitly credited.
• Video & Community Surfaces — Including Handspace (a signing-first video feed), Deaf Perspectives (community posts and pulse), and the AI Forum (community discussion).
• Community Marketplace (Shop) — A directory of products and services from independent sellers, with links to external purchase pages.
• Content Creator Directory — Self-reported profiles of Deaf content creators, influencers, and educators.
• Job Board — Third-party job postings relevant to the Deaf community, submitted by employers and organizations.
• Library & Directory — Community-submitted research and educational resources, and a directory of Deaf organizations, schools, and groups.
• Events — User-submitted and aggregated event listings relevant to the Deaf community.
• Advocacy & Action Tools — Tools that help you find and contact your elected representatives about issues affecting the Deaf community.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration

Some features of the Platform require a registered account. When you create an account, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information.

3.2 Account Types

• Free — Basic access to the Platform.
• Pro ($9.99/month) — Enhanced features and personalization tools for individual users.
• Organization — Tools for organizations, employers, and community partners. See membership plans for current org pricing.

3.3 Age Requirement

You must be at least 13 years old to create an account or use the Platform. If you are under 18, you represent that you have parental or guardian consent to use the Platform.

3.4 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. Notify us immediately at [email protected] if you suspect unauthorized use of your account.

3.5 Member Profiles and Personalization

Signed-in members can complete an optional member profile (display name, pronouns, identity, sign languages, approximate location, interests, and related fields). Every field is optional, and you can edit or remove any of it at any time from your dashboard. We use this information to personalize the order of stories in your feeds and to suggest members you may have things in common with. Your privacy settings control who can see your profile, who can message you, and whether you appear in the member directory; the defaults limit visibility to signed-in members. We do not sell this information or share it with advertisers. See the Privacy Policy for details.

4. User-Generated Content

Users may submit content to the Platform including, but not limited to, shop listings, content creator profiles, job postings, library resources, Deaf Perspectives posts, AI Forum posts, Wish List suggestions, community directory listings, event suggestions, and news tips ("User Content").

4.1 Ownership

You retain ownership of all User Content you submit. By submitting User Content, you grant DeafMonitor a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, display, reproduce, distribute, and modify your User Content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

4.2 Your Responsibilities

You represent and warrant that:

• Your submissions are truthful, accurate, and not misleading.
• You have the right to submit the content and grant the license described above.
• Your submissions do not infringe any third party's intellectual property, privacy, or other rights.
• Your submissions comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

4.3 No Responsibility for User Content

DeafMonitor does not independently verify the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of User Content. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or misrepresentations in content submitted by users. We reserve the right to remove any User Content at our sole discretion.

5. Content Aggregation Disclaimer

DeafMonitor aggregates news and content from third-party sources. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any aggregated content. Links to third-party content direct you to the original source. All copyright for aggregated content belongs to the original publishers.

DeafMonitor is not responsible for the content, opinions, or accuracy of information published by third-party sources. The inclusion of any content on our Platform does not imply our endorsement or agreement with the views expressed.

6. Job Board Disclaimer

DeafMonitor is NOT an employer, staffing agency, or employment service. Job listings are posted by third-party employers and organizations. DeafMonitor:

• Does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or legitimacy of any job listing.
• Does not verify employer accessibility claims, workplace accommodations, or ADA compliance.
• Does not participate in hiring decisions or employment outcomes.
• Is not responsible for the conduct of employers or the terms of employment.

Users should independently verify employer accommodations, job details, and company legitimacy before applying or accepting any position. Any employment relationship is solely between the user and the employer.

7. Shop / Marketplace Disclaimer

DeafMonitor is a listing platform, NOT a retailer or marketplace operator. Products and services listed in the Shop are provided by independent sellers. DeafMonitor:

• Does not process transactions, handle payments, or fulfill orders.
• Does not guarantee product quality, availability, pricing accuracy, or delivery.
• Does not verify seller identity, legitimacy, or business practices.
• Is not responsible for disputes between buyers and sellers.

All purchases are made through external websites operated by the sellers. Buyers purchase at their own risk and should review the seller's own terms and return policies before completing any transaction.

8. Content Creator Directory Disclaimer

Content creator profiles listed on DeafMonitor are self-reported by the creators themselves. DeafMonitor:

• Does not verify follower counts, engagement metrics, audience demographics, or other statistics.
• Does not verify professional credentials, qualifications, or certifications.
• Does not endorse any creator or guarantee the quality of their content or services.

Brands, organizations, and individuals engaging with listed creators should conduct their own independent due diligence before entering into any agreement or partnership.

9. Library / Research Disclaimer

The DeafMonitor Library contains community-submitted resources that are reviewed for relevance but not for academic accuracy or completeness. DeafMonitor:

• Does not guarantee the scholarly rigor, accuracy, or currency of submitted resources.
• Does not verify citations, references, or source materials.
• Is not responsible for content behind external links, which may change or become unavailable.

Auto-generated citations are provided as a convenience and should be independently verified before use in academic or professional work.

10. Events Disclaimer

Event listings on DeafMonitor are user-submitted or aggregated from public sources. DeafMonitor:

• Does not organize, host, or sponsor listed events unless explicitly stated.
• Does not guarantee the accuracy of event details, including dates, times, locations, or accessibility accommodations.
• Is not responsible for event cancellations, schedule changes, or the quality of any event experience.

Users should verify all event details directly with event organizers before making travel or attendance plans.

11. Accessibility

DeafMonitor strives to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. However, we do not guarantee that every page or feature will be fully accessible at all times. We are committed to continually improving accessibility.

If you encounter an accessibility barrier on the Platform, please report it to [email protected] so we can work to resolve it.

12. Payment and Subscriptions

12.1 Billing

Paid subscriptions (Pro, Organization, Partner) are billed on a recurring monthly basis. By subscribing, you authorize DeafMonitor to charge your selected payment method on each billing cycle.

12.2 Auto-Renewal

All paid subscriptions automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can cancel at any time through your account settings.

12.3 Cancellation

When you cancel a subscription, you retain access to paid features through the end of your current billing period. No further charges will be made after cancellation takes effect.

12.4 Refunds

If DeafMonitor Pro is not right for you, you can cancel from your account within 7 days of your first subscription charge and that charge is refunded in full, automatically — or contact us and we will handle it for you. This applies to your first subscription payment only. Renewal payments are non-refundable; you can cancel at any time and keep access to paid features through the end of your current billing period, and no further charges will be made.

Unredeemed gift codes are refundable within 7 days of purchase; redeemed codes are not refundable.

If you are a consumer in the European Union, European Economic Area, or United Kingdom, you have a statutory 14-day right of withdrawal from the date of your initial purchase. Nothing in these Terms limits that right or any other non-waivable right you have under the consumer protection laws of your jurisdiction.

13. Intellectual Property

The DeafMonitor name, logo, branding, website design, and original content are the intellectual property of DeafMonitor and are protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not use, reproduce, or distribute our branding or original content without prior written permission. User submissions must not infringe the copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights of any third party.

14. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform to harass, threaten, defame, or harm any individual or group.
• Submit false, misleading, or fraudulent content.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform or its systems.
• Scrape, crawl, or republish content without written permission.
• Use automated tools to access the Platform in ways that degrade performance.
• Impersonate any person or entity, or misrepresent your affiliation.
• Use the Platform for any unlawful purpose.

15. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, SECURE, OR FREE OF HARMFUL COMPONENTS.

16. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DEAFMONITOR AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM.

IN NO EVENT SHALL DEAFMONITOR'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED THE AMOUNTS YOU HAVE PAID TO DEAFMONITOR IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM. IF YOU HAVE NOT PAID ANY FEES, DEAFMONITOR'S MAXIMUM LIABILITY SHALL BE FIFTY DOLLARS ($50).

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless DeafMonitor and its officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

• Your use of the Platform.
• Your User Content or submissions.
• Your violation of these Terms.
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation.
• Your infringement of any third party's rights.

18. Termination

DeafMonitor may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for conduct that we believe violates these Terms, is harmful to other users or the Platform, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

If your account is terminated and you have an active paid subscription, no refund will be issued except as provided in Section 12.4 (Refunds). You may voluntarily delete your account at any time through your account settings.

19. Community Partners

Organizations that become Community Partners agree to our Partner Terms, provided separately upon engagement. Partner status is clearly labeled on the Platform and does not influence editorial coverage or content aggregation.

20. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved in the state or federal courts located in the State of Delaware, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

22. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via the Platform or by email to registered users. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

23. Advocacy & Action Tools Disclaimer

DeafMonitor's Advocacy tools help you locate your elected officials and prepare messages about issues affecting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Any message you send is composed and sent by you, from your own email account — DeafMonitor does not send messages to officials on your behalf.

Bill summaries, representative contact details, and related information are drawn from public and third-party sources and may be incomplete or out of date. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information, the delivery of any message, or any particular response or legislative outcome. Nothing on the Advocacy pages is legal, political, or professional advice. Your use of these tools is voluntary and at your own discretion.

24. AI Assistant (Moni)

DeafMonitor offers Moni, an AI-powered assistant available to registered members. Moni answers questions about Deaf community news, events, resources, and platform features using content drawn from DeafMonitor's own database. Moni's responses are generated by a third-party AI model and may contain errors; do not rely on them for legal, medical, or safety decisions.

Moni conversations (your questions and Moni's answers) are logged with your account and retained for up to 120 days. We review conversations to improve Moni's quality and safety. Separately, questions Moni could not answer are analyzed in anonymized form (without any account identifier) to improve DeafMonitor's content. Questions you send to Moni are processed by a third-party AI provider in accordance with that provider's privacy terms. Daily question limits apply by membership tier and may change.

25. AI-Generated Content, Summaries, and Rankings

Parts of the Platform are produced, ranked, or organized by automated and artificial-intelligence systems working from news coverage and other public sources. This includes, without limitation: the legislative-landscape summaries and the organization priorities-and-accomplishments overviews on the Advocacy pages; the story ranking, selection, and recaps in the Daily Briefing; Creator Pulse; and the community and social "pulse" summaries on Deaf Perspectives. These features are provided for general information and convenience only.

AI-generated content may be incomplete, out of date, or inaccurate, may omit relevant context, and may reflect or summarize the views of the underlying sources rather than those of DeafMonitor. Rankings, selections, and highlights reflect automated judgments and are not endorsements. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any AI-generated content, and none of it is legal, political, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always verify important information against the linked or original sources before relying on it. DeafMonitor is not responsible or liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on AI-generated content, summaries, or rankings.

26. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at [email protected] or through our contact form.