The `Desperate Housewives` star - who recently launched her own cook book Eva`s Kitchen - decided to learn how to sign so she can communicate with her deaf fans.

Speaking at the 9th Annual GLAD Benefit Extravaganza - which was held in support of deaf individuals and those hard of hearing - in West Hollywood, California, at the weekend, she said: "I`ve had a lot of deaf people who have bought my book and I`ve been able to talk to them about what my favourite recipe is and what to cook."

Eva - who attended the event to support her friend, celebrity hairstylist Ken Paves - is prepared commit herself to various charities to help people with disabilities and from deprived social groups because of her experiences within her own family.

The 36-year-old actress - whose sister Elizabeth has Down`s Syndrome and whose parents are Tejano, meaning Texans of Mexican descent - added to website Hollyscoop: "I always think it`s important to bring awareness to minority or a minority population and whether you`re Latino or black or a woman or deaf, it still falls into that category of needing support from people who aren`t normally around this type of population.

"I come from a diverse background of people with special needs, because of my sister, so I`m happy to bring my voice to this cause."
sections: Celebrities