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Dear Community Leaders,
Calling all leaders of Deaf senior organizations!
Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) invites local, state, regional, and national Deaf senior organization leaders to join us for a special Pre-Conference Leadership Summit on Saturday, August 21, 2027, in Baltimore, Maryland.
This gathering is designed to bring leaders together to strengthen advocacy, build organizational capacity, exchange ideas, and develop meaningful connections that will benefit Deaf older adults and their communities nationwide.
PRE-CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Saturday, August 21, 2027
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
Baltimore, Maryland
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Leadership • Advocacy • Collaboration
STRENGTHENING OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE
This special summit will bring together Deaf senior organization leaders from across the country for an afternoon of learning, meaningful discussions, and networking.
Together, we will explore opportunities to strengthen our organizations, expand advocacy efforts, share successful practices, and build a stronger national network of Deaf senior leaders.
Our goal is to empower leaders with knowledge, resources, and connections that will help advance the interests and well-being of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind older adults.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This summit is designed for current and emerging leaders of Deaf senior organizations, including:
- Local, state, regional, and national organization leaders
- Presidents, board members, and officers
- Committee chairs and community advocates
- Individuals interested in strengthening Deaf senior leadership and advocacy
Whether you lead an established organization or are working to build a stronger Deaf senior community, we encourage you to join us!
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
AARP – Strengthening State and Local Advocacy
Explore strategies for engaging in advocacy at the state and local levels and influencing policies and programs that affect older adults.
Kim Bianco Majeri, Gallaudet University – State Plan on Aging Toolkit: New Launch
Get a first look at the new toolkit being developed through the DSA/Gallaudet University grant partnership. Learn how Deaf communities can better understand and participate in their state's planning process for aging services.
Administration for Community Living (ACL) – Understanding the Older Americans Act
Learn about the Older Americans Act, the federal aging-services network, and how national policies connect to state and local programs serving older adults.
Neil McDevitt, Mayor of Wales, Pennsylvania – Advocacy Starts in Your Community
Discover how local leadership, civic engagement, and community relationships can create meaningful change and strengthen advocacy efforts.
AnnMarie Killian, CEO, TDI – Where Technology, Accessibility, and Aging Meet
Explore how emerging technologies and accessibility decisions affect the everyday lives of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind older adults, and how community leaders can advocate for greater accessibility.
Leadership Roundtable & Networking – Building a Stronger National Network
An interactive opportunity for leaders to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, share successful practices, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
Program topics and speakers are subject to change.
ACCESSIBILITY
ASL interpreters, captioning, and refreshments will be provided. Additional communication accommodation needs can be shared during registration.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION - TBA
Summit Registration: More information coming soon !
The Pre-Conference Leadership Summit is a separately ticketed event.
Registration details and the final program will be announced as they become available.
DON'T MISS THE DSA 2027 NATIONAL CONFERENCE!
The Leadership Summit is part of an exciting week of activities surrounding the DSA 2027 National Conference in Baltimore, August 20–27, 2027.
If you have not registered for the conference, we encourage you to make plans to attend!
EXPLORE THE DSA 2027 CONFERENCE:
https://www.deafseniors.us/2027-conference
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Strong leadership and collaboration are essential to building a brighter future for Deaf older adults.
We look forward to bringing Deaf senior leaders from across the nation together to learn, connect, and strengthen our collective voice.
If you have any questions about the Leadership Summit, please feel free to contact me.
Sherri Collins
Executive Director
Deaf Seniors of America
execdir@deafseniors.us
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