Logo

June 2024 

Agency Newsletter
A gif shows people waving their hands in the air. The camera zooms out to show people on a stage and people in the audience waving their arms, applausing.

A round of applause!


After a year of internal rebranding, development, and design, DEAF, Inc. just released our new website redesign!


Check it out at www.deafincma.org! 

Hello, hello community! 


DEAF, Inc. is very excited to share that we have redesigned our website! We’ve introduced a new look, more accessible features, and strengthened our bilingual content!


Many thanks to our website and marketing team, Ta-Da Studios for making this possible! Thank you to all the DEAF, Inc. staff for their contributions as well!


We look forward to your thoughts and feedback!  
June 2024 DEAF, Inc. Website Announcement - DEAF, Inc. Executive Director Darian Gambrell stands in front of a grey background and waves her hands. She is wearing a navy blue shirt, silver necklace, and black glasses.

Click here to watch in ASL
Blue and yellow background. White DEAF, Inc. logo at the top. White text reads "Here it is! We hope you enjoy!" On the bottom, in front of yellow squiggly shapes, mobile phone, computer monitor and laptop is shown with a screen recording of the new DEAF, Inc. website.

Click to watch the video

on our social media

    Launching new features!

    • New branding and look

    • AccessiBe widget with many options

    • Strengthened bilingual content

    • ASL animated icons

    Hand waves!

      AGENCY NEWS

      Handwaves to DEAF, Inc. Board Member Sheila Xu for this Spotlight!
      Sky Is No Limit for Deaf Pilot - in white text. A video thumnail shows an Asian woman wearing a pilot uniform and sunglasses standing outside an airplane and smiling. MIT Alumni logo in left corner

      Congratulations! Carol, Director of ARES, Completes the Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association
      A photo collage with black background. First picture on top left shows red background and Tour de Cure logo in white. A screenshot of a map route is next, with 32.23 mi distance marker. Below are two pictures, left one showing the bottom of many people on their bikes. The right picture shows Carol smiling with sunglasses, bicycling uniform, helmet, standing in front of her bicycle. At the bottom, white text on red background reads "The New England Tour de Cure Kickoff Rides and Celebration"

      JOB OPENINGS

      DBCAN Provider (Signing)

      DBCAN Provider (Spoken English)

      ASL (American Sign Language) Instructor

      DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN)

      Administrative Assistant / Co-Navigator

      Thank you for joining us at DEAF Inc.'s 

      Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run on June 1!
      Four people gather smiling together to take a group photo after participating during the Goal Getters 5k Run/Walk event outside in sunny weather.
      Participants walk/run while signing down a sidewalk path during the Goal Getters 5k Run/Walk event outside, bikers are moving past them on the right hand side.
      Executive Director, Darian Gambrell & other DEAF, Inc. staff participants walk while signing down a sidewalk path during the Goal Getters 5k Run/Walk event outdoors.
      DEAF, Inc. Board Vice President Charlotte Dee Spinkston in comfortable running clothing reaches out to receive her medal from the Goal Getters 5k Run/Walk event outside in sunny weather.
      A large group of smiling people from the Goal Getters 5k Run/Walk event are outside in sunny weather.

      We had such a great time at our Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run! We enjoyed seeing community members on this beautiful day, and accomplishing the 5K made us feel awesome!


      Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, including our wonderful sponsors, dedicated staff, and all the community members who attended!


      Handwaves to everyone!

      EVENTS
      A flyer for a "Regional Listening Session" organized by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). Header: Logo: MCDHH logo prominently displayed at the top. Title: "REGIONAL LISTENING SESSION" Main Text: "Join us for the regional listening session where your feedback shapes the future of MCDHH's services and programs. Be a part of positive change – your input matters." Event Details: Date: Wednesday, June 5 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Platform: Zoom Accessibility Information: "ASL Interpreters and CART will be present. If you will be attending, and require any other form of accommodation, such as tactile interpreters, please contact MCDHH at least two weeks in advance." RSVP Information: "RSVP Required: Please RSVP one week before the event." Two QR codes are provided: One labeled "ASL Video" One labeled "Register here" Contact Information: Email: heather.l.daley@mass.gov Phone: (857) 491-0750
      A flyer for a "Regional Listening Session" organized by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). Header: Logo: MCDHH logo prominently displayed at the top. Title: "REGIONAL LISTENING SESSION" Main Text: "Join us for the regional listening session where your feedback shapes the future of MCDHH's services and programs. Be a part of positive change – your input matters." Event Details: Date: Wednesday, June 5 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Platform: Zoom Accessibility Information: "ASL Interpreters and CART will be present. If you will be attending, and require any other form of accommodation, such as tactile interpreters, please contact MCDHH at least two weeks in advance." RSVP Information: "RSVP Required: Please RSVP one week before the event." Two QR codes are provided: One labeled "ASL Video" One labeled "Register here" Contact Information: Email: heather.l.daley@mass.gov Phone: (857) 491-0750

      Click above to view the flyer

      Massachusetts Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Regional Listening Sessions: Virtual Session

      Wednesday June 5, 2024 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

      Zoom event


      Share Your Opinions With Us!


      - What services do you need?
      - What support is needed in the community?
      - How can MCDHH serve you better?


      Voice interpreting and CART will be provided. 


      RSVP Required: Please RSVP one week before the event. Your confirmation enables us prepare for an inclusive and meaningful discussion.


      ASL Interpreters and CART will be present. If you will be attending, and require any other form of accommodation, such as tactile interpreters, please contact Heather Daley at heather.l.daley@mass.gov at least two weeks in advance.
      A flyer for DEAF, Inc.'s Monthly Senior Social, aimed at Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened older adults and seniors. The design is colorful and inviting, with clear text and friendly illustrations. Header: Logo: DEAF, Inc. logo with "EST. 1977" prominently displayed at the top. Title: "The New Bedford staff invite you to our MONTHLY SENIOR SOCIAL" Target Audience: "For Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened older adults & seniors" Details: "Light refreshments and drinks will be provided" "Hosted on every second Tuesday of the month" Event Information: Date and Time: Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 10 AM - 12 PM EST Location: New Bedford Office, 888 Purchase St, Bay 1, New Bedford, MA 02740 Parking: Garage and Street Parking available for $2/hr Contact Information: "For more info, or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823" Visuals: An illustration of seniors sitting around a table, enjoying drinks and socializing, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

      Click above to view the flyer

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

      June 11, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST


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

      (Garage & Street Parking available for $2/hr)


      (Light refreshments & drinks will be provided)


      For more information or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org
      A flyer for DEAF, Inc.'s "Summer Social: Building Bridges Together!" presented by the Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened Committee. The event aims to connect people and share communication resources. **Event Details:** - **Date:** Friday, June 14th - **Time:** 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST - **Location:** Beverly Farms Library, 24 Vine Street, Beverly, MA 01915 Coffee and light refreshments provided. Interpreters will be provided and CART services have been requested. For more info or accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org.

      Click above to view the flyer

      DEAF, Inc. Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened Committee presents: Summer Social: Building Bridges Together!

      June 14, 2024 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EST

      Beverly Farms Library, at Beverly Conrad Room

      24 Vine Street, Beverly, MA 01915


      Let's Build Bridges Together!


      Join DEAF, Inc. for our Summer Social on June 14th at Beverly Farms Library. 


      From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm EST, connect with others and learn valuable communication resources.


      Coffee and light refreshments provided. Interpreters will be provided and CART services have been requested.


      For more information or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org
      A flyer for a DEAF, Inc. Wellness Workshop on prostate cancer titled "Prostate Cancer: You Want To Put Your Finger WHERE?" scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm EST via Zoom (ID: 918 8838 8357, Password: brainfood). Presented in ASL with English interpreters available. Featured speaker: Dr. Jason Rotoli, emergency physician and Associate Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Click the link to join: www.bit.ly/DEAFIncWellnessWorkshops or enter zoom information below: Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357 Password: brainfood Presented in ASL with English interpretation provided. For more information or to request accommodations, contact: hello@deafincma.org

      Click above to view the flyer

      Prostate Cancer: You Want To Put Your Finger WHERE?

      June 18, 2024 | 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm EST


      Have you ever wondered about prostate cancer: Who is at risk? What is it? How do you talk to your doctor, and what should you expect in a prostate screening?


      Come join us in a Zoom workshop: “Prostate Cancer: You Want To Put Your Finger WHERE?” on June 18 from 12:45 - 1:45 pm EST to learn more from Dr. Jason Rotoli as he shares his knowledge.


      Click the link to join: www.bit.ly/DEAFIncWellnessWorkshops or enter zoom information below:


      Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357

      Password: brainfood


      Presented in ASL with English interpretation provided.


      For more information or to request accommodations, contact: hello@deafincma.org
      A flyer for DEAF, Inc.'s ARES workshop "Care for Your Feelings" on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am EST. Learn about mental health support, social work, psychiatry, and psychology. The workshop will be held via Zoom (ID: 918 8838 8357, Password: brainfood). Liz Olson, Hard of Hearing/Seniors Advocate, will present in Spoken English with ASL interpretation. For more info or accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or call (617) 505-4823. Visit www.bit.ly/DEAFIncWellnessWorkshops.

      Click above to view the flyer

      Care for Your Feelings

      June 21, 2024 | 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm EST


      Join us for an insightful workshop on mental health support, "Care for Your Feelings," on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am EST. Learn about mental health support as a self-care tool for emotions and how to navigate the differences between social work, psychiatry, and psychology.


      Click the link to join: www.bit.ly/DEAFIncWellnessWorkshops or enter zoom information below:


      Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357

      Password: brainfood


      ASL/English Interpreters are provided, and CART has been requested.


      For more information or to request accommodations, contact: hello@deafincma.org

      DeafBlind Community

      Access Network

      DBCAN BBQ - Cancelled

      DBCAN's 23rd Annual DBCAN BBQ will not be hosted this year. We will keep you posted on upcoming DBCAN events. 


      Thank you for your understanding!
      A predominantly blue and yellow, with white text for high contrast and readability job advertisement flyer for the position of "DBCAN Administrative Assistant/Co-Navigator" at DEAF Inc. It includes the following elements: A DEAF Inc. logo, the title "WE ARE HIRING" in large yellow font, and the prompt for the position title "DBCAN Administrative Assistant/Co-Navigator" in white font. If you are committed to promoting the inclusion of DeafBlind individuals within the community and would like to join our team, send an email with your cover letter, resume, and a list of three current professional references to Ann Thompson at athompson@deafincma.org or apply online on our website!

      DBCAN is looking for you!

      Are you interested in joining the DEAF Inc. team as a DBCAN Administrative Assistant/Co-Navigator? 

      If you are committed to promoting the inclusion of DeafBlind individuals within the community and would like to join our team, send an email with your cover letter, resume, and a list of three current professional references to Ann Thompson at athompson@deafincma.org or apply online on our website!
      Apply Now!

      DBCAN is seeking more

      Co-Navigators/Providers!
      At the very top is the DEAF, Inc. logo with the title, “WE ARE HIRING: DBCAN Provider (signing). There is a yellow box on the left with job requirements, two the right a dark blue box with job description, and a lighter blue box with benefits. Visit the link to learn more about the position and apply online at www.deafincma.org/jobs
      Apply Now!
      At the very top is the DEAF, Inc. logo with the title, “WE ARE HIRING: DBCAN Provider (spoken english). There is a yellow box on the left with job requirements, two the right a dark blue box with job description, and a lighter blue box with benefits. Visit the link to learn more about the position and apply online at www.deafincma.org/jobs / A blue background flyer with a strip of a darker blue at the center.
      Apply Now!

      ASL Program

      Registration is Open for the Summer!
      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”

      Click above to view the flyer

      2024 ASL Classes - Summer Semester Registration Is Open!

      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!
      Enroll Now!

      A white lady happily signing “friend” in front of a laptop. There is a large plant and a colorful painted canvas behind her on a brick wall.

      Prepare for your upcoming ASL classes with this resource!

      How to Grow in ASL as a New Signer


      ASL is a much more visual and physical language, which is a big feat as a new signer because if you’re not already communicating with your hands, facial expressions, and body language, when you start it’ll take some getting used to.


      Like most things, learning is done best when you’re going all in!
      Read More

      Advocacy, Resources, and Education Services

      Wellness Workshop: Love Your Heart with Dr. Carolyn Stern
      A screenshot from the "Love Your Heart" wellness workshop shows two images, on the right, Dr. Stern is visible, using ASL to communicate the content of the slide to the left. She is wearing glasses, a black blazer, and a necklace, and is seated in an office or study space with a blue background. The second image is a presentation slide on the left it shows the following text, "Love Your Heart!" "Carolyn Stern, MD, Instructor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, UR Medicine Urgent Care, www.deafdoc.org." The slide also includes two graphics, an image of a heart with a heartbeat line inside a circle, and the "Go Red for Women" logo, indicating the connection to heart health awareness for women. It also includes a footer that reads, "In Memory of Those Affected By Heart Disease"
      A screenshot from the "Love Your Heart" Wellness Workshop with Dr. Carolyn Stern. It is divided into two sections. (Left Section) An illustration of a human heart with visible internal structures, showing the pathways of blood flow and electrical activity within the heart. As well as a small inset diagram in the top right corner shows an electrocardiogram (EKG) graph with labeled points (P, Q, R, S, T). The text "an electrocardiogram known as an EKG" is displayed at the bottom, providing a caption for the illustration. (Right Section) Dr. Stern is visible, seated, and looking toward the camera. She has curly hair and wears glasses and a black top. The background suggests she is in a home office or study space. The image suggests an educational setting where Dr. Stern is likely explaining the EKG and the anatomy of the heart as part of the wellness workshop.
      A screenshot from the "Love Your Heart" Wellness Workshop with Dr. Carolyn Stern. It is divided into two sections: (Left Section): Presentation slide Title: "Cardiovascular System" Subtitle: "Heart" Main Points: Maintains PRESSURE a. Pump/Heart Muscle-linked cardiac cells b. Valves c. Electrical system - Perfect timing! d. Coronary arteries Graphic: A simple icon of a heart. Footer: "Carolyn Stern, MD. www.deafdoc.org" (Right Section) Dr. Stern is visible, actively using ASL to communicate the content of the slide. She is wearing glasses and a dark top, seated in what appears to be an office or study space with a blue background.

      We learned so much during  the "Love Your Heart!" Wellness Workshop with Dr. Carolyn Stern. Thank you so much for your great presentation and answering our questions!


      We covered how the heart works and what causes heart diseases, and the different kinds that many happen. There is so much we can do in our lifestyles to prevent heart issues!


      This event was made possible by Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grants.

      Northeastern University's

      George W. Veditz ASL Festival
      During the 22nd George W. Veditz ASL Festival Valerie and Elizabeth stand proud as vendors behind the blue DEAF, Inc. tablecloth draped over a table covered in DEAF, Inc. merch and informative papers, like other organizations at the event.
      A crowd of people formed around multiple vendor tables at the 22nd George W. Veditz ASL Festival. Of the three vendors pictured, DEAF, Inc., and Gallaudet are among them.

      We enjoyed attending the George W. Veditz ASL Festival at Northeastern University on April 26! We had a great time socializing with community members and celebrating Deaf culture and ASL!

      Healthcare For All MassHealth Redetermination Campaign Celebration
      DEAF, Inc’s Executive Director Darian Gambrell and Community Engagement Coordinator Nayo Franck attending the HCFA MassHealth Redetermination Campaign Celebration on May 7th, which is in a large room, with a full crowd of people posing together for a picture. In front of them is a table with a grey tablecloth and a large white sheet cake with a blue image on it.
      A frosty white cake with the illustration of a multicultural group of adults looking at a blue envelope. To the right is the message: “Attention MassHealth Members Act пож. Stay covered.”

      DEAF, Inc. was thrilled to be at the HCFA MassHealth Redetermination Campaign Celebration on May 7. Our Executive Director Darian Gambrell and Community Engagement Coordinator Nayo Franck joined the full house to celebrate the accomplishments of the HCFA MassHealth Redetermination Campaign!


      It was great to meet everyone and celebrate together. Handwaves!

      Health Resources in Action—Boston Celebration
      A presentation at the Health Resources In Action (HRiA) Boston Celebration, an interpreter with dark curly hair stands signing in a black blazer alongside a keynote speaker, a man behind a podium that displays the Harvard Medicine logo. Behind them both is a big blue slide that says, “Stronger Together: Community Gathering & Celebration”
      DEAF, Inc’s Executive Director Darian Gambrell and Community Engagement Coordinator Nayo Franck attending the Health Resources In Action (HRiA) Boston Celebration alongside Dimitrios Booras, the HRiA representative. All three are standing together for a friendly photo.

      On May 20, at the Health Resources in Action—Boston Celebration, Darian Gambrell, our Executive Director, and Nayo Franck, our Community Engagement Coordinator, socialized and met important players in our state's efforts in working on racial equity, population health, and ways to better communities. We made connections with members of other community organizations.


      We're so grateful to have been present and to be a part of our Massachusetts community!
      DEAF, Inc. Contributions/Donation Appeal Video

      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
      Logo

      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 newsletter developed with support from: MA Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, City of Boston’s Office of Jobs and Community Development Block Grant, Executive Office of Elder Affairs, City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission, Cummings Foundation Grant and United Way Massachusetts Bay/Merrimack Valley (in the Greater Attleboro/Taunton Region), Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Coastline Elder Services, Inc., Federal Administration for Community Living, HRiA - MA COVID-19 Community Grants, USCIS Innovations in Citizenship Grant, Massachusetts Service Alliance, HealthCare for All, MassHealth, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – Title VII Part B, Liberty Mutual, Sanofi Genzyme, Boston Evening Clinic, Bushrod Campbell, Association for the Relief of Aged Women of New Bedford