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A banner for the DEAF, Inc. Community Newsletter, June 2024. It features a green background with the DEAF, Inc. logo. On the left, there are two smiling men, one in a white shirt and the other in a black one. On the right, there are DEAF,Inc. staff members who are standing behind a booth with DEAF, Inc. materials. The booth has a blue tablecloth with the DEAF, Inc. logo.

EVENTS
HLAA 2024 convention logo on white background. Phoenix AZ, June 26-29, 2024 in green text.

HLAA 2024 Convention, Resort-Style! 

Phoenix, Arizona | June 26 - 29, 2024


Join us in Phoenix for our first resort-style HLAA 2024 Convention at the beautiful Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Whether it’s your first convention or the latest of many, you are sure to learn, grow, discover
new technology and connect with hundreds of new and old friends.


Be inspired by General Session keynote speaker Shanna Adamic.

  • Explore The Emotional Side of Hearing Loss at our Research Symposium.

  • Enjoy the Exhibit Hall, educational workshops, product demos and social events:

  • "Welcome Back Bash"

  • "Celebrate! Awards gala honoring hearing heroes"

Discover amenities inspired by the rich culture of the indigenous Gila River Indian Community, which owns this unique resort.


Click here to get more info & register now!

ASL Registration Closes July 1!
A dark blue flyer with magenta trim on the top right. The top of the flyer says, “ASL Classes I Summer Semester 2024” Below it continues on, “Classes available in both CASUAL and STANDARD paces. Casual classes would be most appropriate for students who are new to ASL and would benefit from activities that would provide an opportunity for practice and repetition. Standard classes are most appropriate for students with a general knowledge of ASL and would prefer an accelerated learning style. (In a light blue box, directly under a picture of people conversing and attached to a laptop showing people in a zoom call.) Most classes are offered virtually. Classes with an asterisk are presented in person.” Lower down in a pink strip the text reads, “CLASS SCHEDULE” followed by, “Registration will close at 5:00 pm (noon) EST on July 1st.” (in the two columns) “MONDAYS/WEDNESDAYS July 8 - August 7 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm ASL 1 (CASUAL) Units 1 & 3 Anna Lim ASL 2 (CASUAL) Units 4 & 5 Kathryn McBeth TUESDAYS/THURSDAYS July 9 - August 8 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm ASL 1 (STANDARD) Units 1, 3, & 4 Nancy Hickey ASL 2 (STANDARD) Units 5, 6, & 7 Kathryn McBeth ASL 1 (CASUAL) Units 1 & 3 Samie McDonald Enroll Now! www.deafincma.org/services/asl/classes” White QR code to left.

Click above to view the flyer

DEAF, Inc. 2024 ASL Summer Semester

Registration Deadline: July 1st, 5pm EST


DEAF, Inc. ASL Classes have returned for the Summer 2024 semester! Check out our offerings and be sure to register before July 1st


Registration closes at 5 pm EST on July 1st, 2024.We are excited to see you there!


Click to enroll now!
A flyer for Virtual ASL 1 Class for Children (Ages 9-12), hosted by DEAF, Inc. Classes are every Wednesday from July 10-31, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm EST. Registration is at www.bit.ly/deafincaslforchildren, with a deadline of July 1, 2024. The cost is $180 for 4 sessions. The instructor is Syd Ahmed, a Deaf teacher's assistant from Jersey City, passionate about educating others. The flyer features colorful illustrations of children and includes a QR code for more information.

Click above to view the flyer

DEAF, Inc. 2024 ASL for Children Classes

Registration Deadline: July 1st, 5pm EST


Want to introduce ASL to your kids? This is the perfect opportunity! DEAF, Inc. is launching ASL classes for Children! 


Registration closes at 5 pm EST on July 1st, 2024. Let's dive in to the world of ASL!


Click to enroll now!
A flyer for the DEAF, Inc. Summer Senior Social event hosted by the New Bedford staff. The event is for Deaf, DeafBlind, HOH, and Late-Deafened older adults and seniors. Two illustrated seniors relaxing on a beach, enjoying ice cream. Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, from 10 AM to 12 PM EST at the New Bedford Office, 888 Purchase St, Bay 1, New Bedford, MA 02740. Parking is $2/hr. For more info or accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823.

Click above to view the flyer

Summer Senior Social for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened Older Adults & Seniors

July 9, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

New Bedford Office
888 Purchase St, Bay 1
New Bedford MA, 02740


Hit the Beach at the New Bedford office for fun summer games. You can make your own ice cream sundae too!


For more information or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823.


(Garage & Street Parking available for $2/hr)
A flyer for ADA Day, celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, hosted by the City of Boston Disabilities Commission. The event is on July 17, 2024, from 12 noon to 2 pm at Boston City Hall Plaza. Join the fun, visit the resource fair, and enjoy music, food, and friends. ASL and CART services are requested, the venue is wheelchair accessible, and accommodations are available at no cost. For more info, contact disability@boston.gov or 617-635-3682.

Click above to view the flyer

The City of Boston ADA Day

July 17, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST

Boston City Hall Plaza

1 City Hall Square

Boston, MA 02203


The City of Boston ADA Day is an annual event to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. DEAF, Inc. will be there! To learn more about the event, check out their webpage.


Activities include music, food, and a disability resource fair. Disability accommodations, interpretation, and translation services are available at no cost to you. Register to attend!


If you need any of these, please email disability@boston.gov or call 617-635-3682 
The image is a flyer for the "Especially for Me" program at the Discovery Museum, detailing a schedule of free events from June to December 2024. The flyer includes the following information: - **Title and Introduction:**   - "Especially for Me"   - "Schedule of FREE Events at Discovery Museum"   - "June - December 2024"   - Description: Free admission during special hours for families and groups benefiting from a sensory-friendly visit. Accommodations are provided for an ADA-compliant environment, including a designated Take-A-Break Space.   - Preregistration link: https://bit.ly/EFMatDiscovery   - Contact email: fun@discoveryacton.org - **Event Categories and Dates:**   - **Sensory-Friendly Afternoons:**     - Tuesdays, 1:30 - 4:30 pm     - Dates: June 4, September 10, October 8, November 12, December 3   - **Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and KODA visitors:**     - Monday, June 3, 9:30 - 11:30 am   - **Special Evenings:**     - Saturdays, 5:00 - 8:00 pm     - All Access Evening: August 17     - Autism-friendly Evening: June 15, October 5, December 7     - Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind: July 20, November 23     - Sensory-friendly Evening for Visitors 18+: September 14     - Sensory-friendly Halloween: October 26 - **Discovery Museum Contact Information:**   - Address: 177 Main Street (Route 27), Acton, MA 01720   - Phone: 978-264-4200   - Website: discoveryacton.org The flyer also includes a QR code for preregistration.

Click above to view the flyer

Especially for Me - Special Evenings: Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind

July 20, November 23 | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST

Discovery Museum

177 Main Street (Route 27)

Acton, MA 01720


Visit when the museum is closed to public. Dinner (including gluten-free options) provided!

During these events, we offer accommodations that increase access to exhibits and provide an opportunity for families to network with one another in an understanding, ADA-compliant environment.


Preregistration required at https://bit.ly/EFMatDiscovery


Email fun@discoveryacton.org with any questions. 
White Flyer with Title with Black Text 'Celebrate 34 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act!' The event details are as follows: - **Date and Time:** Friday, August 2nd, 2024, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm - **Location:** Dunn Pond State Park, Gardner, MA - **Event Description:** The Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council invites you to celebrate 34 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event will take place rain or shine. - **Activities:** Hike, kayak, swim, listen to music, and hang out with friends. Light lunch and drinks will be provided. Accessible hiking and kayaking will be hosted by DCR's Universal Access Program. - **Contact Information:** RSVP link forthcoming. Questions? Email info@masilc.com The flyer includes the logos for "RAIN or SHINE" and the "Universal Access Program."

Click above to view the flyer

Celebrate 34 years of the American with Disabilities Act!

August 2, 2024 | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm EST

Dunn Pond State Park 

289 Pearl Street

Gardner, MA 01440


The Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council invites you to celebrate 34 years of the American with Disabilities Act!


This event has everything for you join; hike, kayak, swim, listen to music, and hang out with friends. Light lunch and drinks provided. 


Accessible hiking and kayaking will be hosted by DCR's Universal Access Program. 


RSVP link is coming soon. Questions? Email info@masilc.com
Cape Cod Deaf Expo, MA, from Aug 23-28, 2024. Deaf Awareness Week, details TBD. Gala event info pending. Free craft/vendor fair on Aug 24, 10am-8pm with art, jewelry, and gifts. Booth reservations at newenglanddeaf.com/cc/rsvp.html. DEAF SHOW CAR featured. Open to public, ASL, and COLA communities. At The Emerald Resort, 35 Scudder Ave, Hyannis. Book rooms via Martha at 860-866-1324 or newenglanddeafefe@yahoo.com. Further info at newenglanddeaf.com/cc/info.html. Food, drinks, and activities are available. Celebrating New England Deaf's 10th anniversary.

Click above to view the flyer

Cape Cod Deaf Expo
August 23 - 28, 2024 

The Emerald Resort Conference Center

35 Scudder Avenue, Hyannis, MA 02601


Mark your calendars for a fun week of events in Cape Cod this August! The Cape Cod Deaf Expo will be on August 23, and will have a week of events following the expo. 


Get your hotel and travel plans figured out, as August will be an opportunity to socialize, shop, and enjoy each other's company. 


To register, go to https://www.newenglanddeaf.com/
The image is the logo for Six Flags New England. The logo features the name "Six Flags" in bold black text, with colorful flags rising from the left side of the text. Below "Six Flags," the text "New England" appears in blue.

New England Deaf Day at Six Flags

September 7, 2024 |  11:00 am - 7:00 pm EST


Six Flags New England Amusement Park

1623 Main Street

Agawam, MA 01001


Deaf Day Six Flags is making a triumphant return! Central MA Deaf Night Out to get more information! We hope to see you there!


Click here for the details!

Deaf Social Groups


55+ Deaf Social Gathering Schedules

at South Shore Plaza Food Court in Braintree

3rd Wednesday of each month | 10 am - 2 pm


 July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, 

November 20, December 18


Southeast-Cape Cod Deaf Social

Council on Aging (COA)

239 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

In the Cafe room, bring your lunch or take out orders.


After the social, we will take a walk at the canal path.

For the summer only, the social will be at Buzzards Bay Park 

near the restroom and bike path.


 No social in July

Social dates: August 7, and September 4

Community News

Casting Call for Short Film, Marina
A casting call for a short film titled "Marina." It is a paid opportunity seeking D/deaf or hard of hearing Latino boys aged 8-12 with strong familiarity with ASL. The casting is under the SAG/AFTRA Short Film Agreement, and both union and non-union talents are encouraged to submit. Most lines are in ASL. Interested candidates can submit via a provided link and contact Danielle at dpdcasting.com for more information. The background is red with star graphics

DPD Casting is looking for actors for a short film, Marina.


Our lead character is LUCHO. He is D/deaf/Hard of Hearing and Latino (Boy) and can play 8-12 years old.


THIS IS A PAID OPPORTUNITY (SAG/AFTRA Short Film, open to union and non union talent.)


All acting experience levels are encouraged to submit. Strong familiarity with American Sign Language (ASL) is a plus.


Seeking talent based anywhere in the US. The film shoots in Washington State (in the Spokane area)-travel and accommodations are provided for talent (and talent guardian) if not local.


Submission form: https://bit.ly/MARINA-LUCHO

Other Resources

Deaf Cycling Group
Black and white photo of bicycles leaning against a fence on an outdoor deck.

A Facebook group for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened people who like Cycling. Hearing ASL users are welcome. Group meet-ups for rides and information sharing. 


Click this link to join/learn more!

ASL SPACE:

TGWS (Thank God We're Sober)

All meetings are in Eastern Standard Time (EST)

ALL MEETINGS ARE OPEN (ANYONE IS WELCOME)


SUNDAY
7pm to 8:15pm 

RECOVERY DHARMA 

ID - 942 608 395 65; PW 009060


MONDAY
1pm to 2pm* 

ALL RECOVERY MEETING

ID 627 244 220; PW 010149


7pm to 8pm 

DUAL RECOVERY ANONYMOUS

ID 951 0728 5190; PW KL123


TUESDAY
7pm to 8pm

N.A. MEETING

ID 188 837 193; PW 003465


THURSDAY
12pm to 1pm

AL-Anon/Discussion

ID 597 893 497; PW 011461
7pm to 8pm All Recovery discussion MEETING - (OPEN) ID - 627 244 220; PW 010149


FRIDAY
1pm to 2pm* ALL RECOVERY MEETING- ID 627 244 220; PW 010149


* Time change


TGWS recongizes that there is not just one pathway to recovery. Our common purpose is to create a safe and supportive environment for all who wish to find freedom from addiction. Please be mindful of this recent update and share. Thank you.

Emergency Preparedness Videos

For more information on how you can prepare for an emergency, watch these ASL videos from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) available on YouTube.

There are many important tips to keep ourselves safe if we find ourselves in the middle of a natural disaster. 


To read more details and tips about natural disasters, go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Hurricane Preparedness pages to learn more.

Disaster Preparedness and the Deaf Community: A Guide for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Latened Deaf
A flyer promoting disaster preparedness specifically for the Deaf community, including individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened. Title: "Disaster Preparedness and the Deaf Community" is prominently displayed at the top. The subtitle reads, "For the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Latene Deaf." Logos: American Red Cross Greater Rochester Chapter: Positioned on the left, with the tagline "Lifeblood of our community." NTID (National Technical Institute for the Deaf), Rochester Institute of Technology: Positioned on the right. Visual: The bottom half of the flyer shows a photograph of a group of people, likely members of the Deaf community, engaged in a preparedness discussion or activity. A woman is standing and appears to be signing or speaking to the group. A man is distributing items, possibly emergency supplies, to others seated around a table. A first aid kit and other emergency preparedness items are visible on the table.

Read the Disaster Preparedness and the Deaf Community handbook in full.

Need Support? Reach out to DeafLEAD
A flyer for DeafLEAD, promoting their 24/7/365 crisis lines specifically designed for the deaf community. The flyer emphasizes that DeafLEAD provides crisis intervention services through three nationwide videophone lines, staffed by trained crisis counselors fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), ensuring effective communication and support for those in need. Key sections and information on the flyer include: Main Header: "DeafLEAD" "24/7/365 CRISIS LINES" Main Text: DeafLEAD offers 24/7/365 crisis intervention services via three nationwide videophone lines. The counselors are fluent in ASL, ensuring effective communication and support. Support Statement: "We are a safe space for anyone in need of support" Crisis Lines: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Offers support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, ideation, capability, intent, or any other crisis. Access methods: Text 988, dial "988" on a videophone, or visit www.DeafLEAD.org and select the "988 ASL NOW" option. Disaster Distress Videophone Helpline: Provides emotional and psychological support to those affected by natural or human-caused disasters in the US and its territories. Access methods: Dial 1-800-985-5990 on a videophone or visit www.DeafLEAD.org and select the "DDH ASL NOW" option. Deaf Crisis Line: Offers emotional support and resources to Deaf survivors of past or present emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Access methods: Dial 321-800-DEAF (3323) on a videophone or visit www.DeafLEAD.org and select the "DCL NOW" option. Contact Information: Website: www.DeafLEAD.org Social Media: Facebook (@DeafLEADUSA), Twitter (@Deaf_LEAD) Address: 2505 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203 The flyer features the DeafLEAD logo, a photo of a person using ASL, and icons for each of the crisis lines.
A flyer for DeafLEAD, promoting their 24/7/365 hotline. There are three helpline apps: Deaf Crisis Line, Disaster Distress Helpline, and the 988 Suicide Crisis Line. There is a woman on the left side of the image signing 'Connect'. Access methods: Dial 321-800-DEAF (3323) on a videophone or visit www.DeafLEAD.org and select the "DCL NOW" option. Contact Information: Website: www.DeafLEAD.org Social Media: Facebook (@DeafLEADUSA), Twitter (@Deaf_LEAD) The flyer features the DeafLEAD logo, a photo of a person using ASL, and icons for each of the crisis lines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information
An informational flyer from DEAF, Inc. about COVID-19 vaccine shots. It states that all three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax) are good. There are two columns: one for those who got a shot on or after September 12, 2023, and another for those who got a shot before. It outlines recommendations for different age groups: under 5 years (see child's PCP), ages 5-64 (all set or one more shot), and age 65+ (one or two more shots, 4 months apart). For more info, consult your healthcare provider.
DEAF, Inc. Executive Director Darian Gambrell stands in front of a grey background wearing a light blue shirt and dark blue cardigan

Click to watch the video

SUPPORT DEAF, INC.

Take this opportunity to support DEAF, Inc. with a voluntary donation!


Any amount helps us! Proceeds will be used to expand our services and advocacy for our community.


Your donation will be confidential. You will not be denied services if you choose not to donate.
Donate

STAY UP TO DATE WITH DEAF, Inc.

Follow us on our social media and website.

www.deafincma.org
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Any Questions? Feedback?

Please contact the front desk at
617-505-4823 or frontdesk@deafincma.org.

DEAF, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency funded through government contracts, private funding and donations. This material was developed with support from: MA Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Association for the Relief of Aged Women of New Bedford, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Boston Evening Clinic, Bushrod Campbell, City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission, City of Boston’s Office of Jobs and Community Development Block Grant, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, HRiA - MA COVID-19 Community Grants, Liberty Mutual, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – Title VII Part B, Sanofi Genzyme, USCIS Innovations in Citizenship Grant.