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August 2024 
Agency Newsletter

DEAF, Inc. staff Nneamaka Mordi and Nayo Franck pose for a picture with Mayor Michelle Wu at the ADA Day celebration. The trio are holding a DEAF, Inc. towel.

Click above to view the photo

Celebrating the ADA Together!


At the City of Boston Disabilities Commission's event celebrating the ADA, we joined community members in recognizing our accomplishments in moving rights and equity forward for people with disabilities.


We really appreciated Michelle Wu, the mayor of Boston for her recognition and taking the time to capture a moment with DEAF, Inc. staff.


Handwaves for the ADA and what it provides to our community!

AGENCY NEWS

JOB OPENINGS

DBCAN Provider (Signing)

DBCAN Provider (Spoken English)

ASL (American Sign Language) Instructor

UPCOMING EVENTS

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. 


Questions? Email info@masilc.com

Flyer for Summer Social event hosted by DEAF Inc.’s Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened Committee. The event is titled “Summer Social: Building Bridges Together!” and takes place August 9th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm EST at the Beverly Farms Library, Beverly Conrad Room, 24 Vine Street, Beverly, MA 01915. The flyer emphasizes joining to listen, discuss, and connect, and to learn resources for better communication. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Interpreters will be provided, and CART has been requested. For more information or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or call (617) 505-4823.

Click above to view the flyer

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

August 9, 2024 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm EST

Beverly Farms Library - Beverly Conrad Room

24 Vine Street, Beverly, MA 01915


Let's Build Bridges Together!


Join DEAF, Inc. for our Summer Social on August 9 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 or call (617)-505-4823.


IEP 101: Empowering Parents for IEP Awareness," hosted by DEAF, Inc. It will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm EST via Zoom. Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357, password: brainfood. Topics include understanding and advocating for a child's IEP. English interpreters are provided. Presented in ASL by Devon Hostetler. The flyer features an image of a mother, father, and child reading. QR code at top. Contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823 for more details.

Click above to view the flyer

IEP 101: Empowering Parents for IEP Awareness

August 30, 2024 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm EST

Zoom


What is an IEP? How does an IEP work? How does it affect my child? What can I do to empower my child for their success?  


If you have these questions, then come to our IEP workshop presented in ASL by Devon Hostetler, a Lead Advocate at DEAF, Inc. You will learn about how IEPs benefit your child and how you can empower them for success. 


www.bit.ly/deafincworkshops

Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357

Password: brainfood  


ASL interpreters are provided. For more information or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or call (617)-505-4823.

A flyer with a grey and light blue background. At the top, the DEAF, Inc. logo and HKNC logo. Outline of a person holding a white cane on the left. Writing on the right is "White Cane Day October 11, 2024, 10:00 am-1:00 pm EST. White Cane Awareness Day workshop to learn about the importance to the DeafBlind and Blind communities. Hosted at DEAF, Inc. in Watertown, MA." Register by clicking the QR code by Friday, September 27, 2024. Interpreters provided. DBCAN@deafincma.org or 617-206-3732.

Click above to view the flyer

White Cane Day

October 11, 2024 | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST

50 Hunt Street, Suite 200

Watertown, MA 02472


Join us to celebrate White Cane Day!

DBCAN at DEAF, Inc. and the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youth and Adults (HKNC) will host an awareness workshop to share the history of white canes in the lives of DeafBlind citizens. This event will also include a fun activity to make your own white cane pin!

To join in the celebration and to learn more about the history and importance of white canes, please register by September 27, 2024.
bit.ly/whitecaneworkshop

ASL Interpreters will be provided.
For accommodations, contact DBCAN@deafincma.org or call 617-860-3708.

NEWS

Executive Director Darian Gambrell Presenting at Interpreting for Deaf Professionals Summit in September

A promotional image with the word Presenting at the top with a red checkmark next to it.  Under that is Darian B. Gambrell and her session "Panel Discussion: Interpreting for Deaf Executives".   Below that is the Summit logo, three conjoined blue, gray, and red triangles facing right.  2024 Interpreting for Deaf Professionals Summit.  Sept. 13-14, 2024. Virtual. https://www.2axend.com/idpsummit/.  Powered by 2axend.

DEAF, Inc. is thrilled to share that Executive Director Darian Gambrell will be presenting at 2axend's Interpreting for Deaf Professionals Summit #IDPSummit24 on September 13-14, 2024! 


Darian will be presenting at the session, "Panel Discussion: Interpreting for Deaf Executives". We look forward to the meaningful conversations that will be happening at this summit!


Register today at https://www.2axend.com/idpsummit/

ADA Day in Boston

DEAF, Inc. staff Nneamaka Mordi and William Stratemeier spending some time at the DEAF, Inc. booth at the ADA day celebration.
DEAF, Inc. Staff Liz Olson, Nneamaka Mordi, Nicole Dergosits, William Stratemeier, and Nayo Franck are standing in front of a booth, smiling for the picture.
A crowd of people listening intently as Major Michelle Wu gives a speech at the ADA day celebration

DEAF, Inc. had an amazing time on July 17 celebrating the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We joined community members and leaders in Boston at City Hall Plaza for the Boston Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities’s event.


It was truly special to us to be present at this event and see the commitment that our state and cities are putting forward to continue making the world a better place for people with disabilities.


Thank you to everyone who attended, and we hope you had a great day with us! 

DeafBlind Community
Access Network

Helen Keller Birthday Celebration

A group photo of various DeafBlind community members standing and sitting together, posing for the picture at the Helen Keller birthday celebration gathering.

On June 27, DEAF, Inc.'s DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN) attended the third annual Helen Keller birthday celebration in collaboration with DeafBlind Contact Center (DBCC). Thank you to everyone who attended!

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!

DBCAN EVENTS

A pic of the interior of Porrazzo Memorial Rink. The ice rink is freshly prepared, with clear markings, and surrounded by protective glass. Empty bleachers line one side, and various banners hang from the walls. The rink is well-lit, with a clean and spacious appearance.

Click above to view the image

A picture of Constitution Beach in East Boston. It features a walkway with blue railings leading to the sandy beach and clear blue water. Lampposts flank the walkway, and the distant shoreline is visible under a clear sky.

Click above to view the image

Summer Adaptive Ice Skating & BBQ in East Boston

Monday, August 26, 2024 | 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Porrazzo Memorial Rink & Constitution Beach

199 Coleridge St,

East Boston, MA 02128


Join Universal Access for some cool summer skating at Porrazzo Memorial Rink, and then enjoy a waterfront barbecue just outside the rink on neighboring Constitution Beach (courtesy of FMC).


On the ice you can use your wheelchair, an ice sled, a skate walker, ice grippers, or conventional skates. Spin, slide and play gently competitive games! Admission and equipment are provided free of cost. This program is for individuals with disabilities, their families, and friends.


Pre-registration Required:    

Call (413) 461-7126 or email DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov to reserve a time.


The rink is cold, so please dress warmly and bring your winter coat, gloves or mittens, and a hat! Face masks are welcome and appreciated.


A flyer with a grey and light blue background. At the top, the DEAF, Inc. logo and HKNC logo. Outline of a person holding a white cane on the left. Writing on the right is "White Cane Day October 11, 2024, 10:00 am-1:00 pm EST. White Cane Awareness Day workshop to learn about the importance to the DeafBlind and Blind communities. Hosted at DEAF, Inc. in Watertown, MA." Register by clicking the QR code by Friday, September 27, 2024. Interpreters provided. DBCAN@deafincma.org or 617-206-3732.

Click above to view the flyer

White Cane Day

October 11, 2024 | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST

50 Hunt Street, Suite 200

Watertown, MA 02472


Join us to celebrate White Cane Day!

DBCAN at DEAF, Inc. and the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youth and Adults (HKNC) will host an awareness workshop to share the history of white canes in the lives of DeafBlind citizens. This event will also include a fun activity to make your own white cane pin!

To join in the celebration and to learn more about the history and importance of white canes, please register by September 27, 2024.
bit.ly/whitecaneworkshop

ASL Interpreters will be provided.
For accommodations, contact DBCAN@deafincma.org or call 617-860-3708.

The image is a flyer for White Cane Awareness Day by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB). On the left is a person with a white cane crossing a street. On the right, white text on a red background reads:  "MCB MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND  WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY  FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.  MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE GREAT HALL 24 BEACON STREET BOSTON, MA 02108  LEARN MORE AT MASS.GOV/WHITE CANE"

Click above to view the flyer

National White Cane Awareness Day

October 15, 2024 | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm EST

Massachusetts State House Great Hall

24 Beacon Street, 

Boston, MA 02133


In Honor of National White Cane Awareness Day, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) is having a celebration day on

Friday October 18th 10am to 1pm at Massachusetts State House Great Hall.


Click here to RSVP to attend

Advocacy, Resources, and Education Services

Summer Senior Social

DEAF, Inc.’s seniors enjoying themselves at the table at the Summer Senior Social.
A white man in a black shirt and a blue cap using a color pencil to color in an ice cream paper cutout at the DEAF, Inc. Summer Senior Social.
DEAF, Inc.’s seniors enjoying themselves at a table while Devon heads a discussion at the Summer Senior Social. Wendy sits the laptop next to the TV.

Thank you all for coming to our Summer Senior Social on July 9 at the New Bedford office.


We hope you had a blast during our games and socializing. The ice cream sundaes were a refreshing treat for a hot summer day!

International Festival

DEAF, Inc. Staff members, Wendy Clemmey & Devon Hostetler stand behind a table vendor outdoors with a blue DEAF, Inc. logo cloth draped over it and other DEAF, Inc. information related materials and supplies at the International Festival hosted by International House at Village Green in Hyannis.

Two of our Advocates, Devon Hostetler and Wendy Clemmey, represented DEAF, Inc. and attended the International Festival hosted by International House in Hyannis on July 14, 2024. The festival allows communities to connect with culturally informed programs and learn about each other. 

You Got Mail! Decoding Email Scams: Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe


Presented By Ronald Bergenheim

A screenshot of the workshop showing Ronald presenting and a slide from the workshop "You Got Mail! Decoding Email Scams: Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe," hosted by DEAF, Inc. The screenshots shows a list of goals for the workshop.
A screenshot of the workshop showing Ronald presenting and a slide from the workshop "You Got Mail! Decoding Email Scams: Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe," hosted by DEAF, Inc. The screenshots show examples of scam emails.
A screenshot of the workshop showing Ronald presenting and a slide from the workshop "You Got Mail! Decoding Email Scams: Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe," hosted by DEAF, Inc. The screenshot shows Ronald presenting a chart with statistics about scams.

In our workshop on Friday July 26, "You Got Mail! Decoding Email Scams: Tips and Tricks for Staying Safe," Advocate Ronald Bergenheim presented about ways you can stay safe from scam emails. He also answered questions from community members about scam emails.


Thank you to everyone who attended our workshop! We hope you learned important information on how to protect yourself from scams!

Maintain Your Health - All Year Long: Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring


Presented By Dr. Carolyn Stern

A split screen showing a presentation slide on the left and a woman signing in ASL on the right. The slide has a beach background with the title "Staying Healthy for Life" in white text on a black rectangle. The woman has short dark hair, wears a green shirt, and stands in front of a blue background, giving a thumbs-up sign.
A split screen with a "Healthy Eating Plate" diagram on the left and two women on the right. The diagram shows sections for healthy oils, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy protein. The top right section features a woman with short dark hair in a green shirt signing in ASL. Below her is another woman with long dark hair wearing a brown shirt and a black cardigan, speaking.
A split screen with a "Healthy Eating Plate" diagram on the left and two women on the right. The diagram shows sections for healthy oils, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy protein. The top right section features a woman with short dark hair in a green shirt signing in ASL. Below her is another woman with long dark hair wearing a brown shirt and a black cardigan, speaking.

We truly enjoyed having Dr. Carolyn Stern return for "Maintain Your Health—All Year Long: Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring" on July 31 from 12:30 - 1:30 PM EST on Zoom.


We learned so much about how to identify seasonal sicknesses, where they come from, and how to avoid them so we can be prepared for flu season and know how to combat infections! Thank you so much for your presentation and answering our questions!


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

ASL Program

Register for a tutoring session today!

A blue background with the DEAF Inc. logo at the top. The text reads "Introducing ASL Tutoring" in yellow. Below, it states, "American Sign Language can be used in everyone’s daily life! Learn various ASL signs and skills that can benefit you and your needs." There's a yellow button with "Sign up for a paid session today!" The bottom section has a photo of a woman signing, with a list of topics like "ASL Numbers," "ASL Fingerspelling," and "The Workplace." A QR code and the sign-up link: www.deafincma.org/asl/tutoring

Click above to view the flyer

DEAF, Inc. Virtual ASL Tutoring


DEAF, Inc. now offers paid tutoring sessions for anyone who wants to improve their ASL skills through one-on-one consultation. We provide topics that can suit anyone and their various goals in learning ASL.


Schedule a session on your own time that works for you. Sessions available starting today!


Learn more on our website at www.deafincma.org/asl/tutoring

Register Now!

We Look Forward To Signing With You!

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.