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February 2024 

Agency Newsletter
The entrance of the previous DEAF, Inc. headquarters on 215 Brighton Ave with the organization’s former logo displayed above the door.

Did you know DEAF, Inc. was originally founded to evaluate Deaf and Hard of Hearing people for vocational rehabilitation, or in other words, to help them find jobs that suited their skills?


We have tremendously grown today, and now serve a wide variety of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, Late-Deafened, and hearing populations, including immigrants, families, senior citizens, and more. We have programs providing adult education, technology assistance, citizenship support, SSP/Co-Navigators, ASL classes, community events, and much more.


Thank you for all of your support of DEAF, Inc. over 46 years!

Announcement

DEAF, Inc.'s New Board President
Image description: Thumbnail of two DEAF, Inc. Board Members Sheryl Spera on the left and Wesley Ireland on the right both on a Zoom call about Announcing the next Board President.


DEAF, Inc.’s current Board President, Wesley Ireland, has stepped down after two terms, and board member Sheryl Spera has stepped into the role of Board President. Thank you for your service!

AGENCY NEWS

UPCOMING VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

February 12, 2024 at 4:00pm to 6:00pm EST

Meeting Zoom ID: 832 5499 5782

Passcode: jobs
A dark blue flyer with the DEAF, Inc. logo in the top left and the title, “VIRTUAL JOB FAIR” to the right of it. Below this the flyer continues with the following text, “VIRTUAL JOB FAIR Monday, February 12, 2024 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST ZOOM INFORMATION: Meeting ID: 832 5499 5782 | Passcode: jobs Come and learn more about our available positions, both full-time and part-time! WE WANT YOU! ADVOCATE HEALTH ADVOCATE SPANISH ADVOCATE DBCAN PROVIDER LOCAL ASL INSTRUCTOR *Benefits vary by positions. Ask us about job descriptions, expectations, and what it is like working at DEAF, Inc.! To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and a list of three current professional references to HR/Administrative Coordinator, Ann Thompson at athompson@deafincma.org or apply online www.deafincma.org/jobs”

Click above to view the flyer
Un volante azul oscuro con el logotipo de DEAF, Inc. en la parte superior izquierda y el título “FERIA DE TRABAJO” a la derecha. Debajo de esto, el folleto continúa con el siguiente texto, Lunes, 12 de Febrero, 2024 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM EST INFORMACIÓN DE ZOOM ID de reunión: 832 5499 5782 | Código de acceso: jobs ¡Ven y conoce más sobre nuestros puestos disponibles, tanto a tiempo completo como a tiempo parcial! DEFENSOR ESPAÑOL DEFENSOR CUIDADO DE LA SALUD DEFENSOR LO QUEREMOS A USTED! PROVEEDOR DBCAN INSTRUCTOR LOCAL DE ASL *Los beneficios varían según los puestos ¡Pregúntenos sobre las descripciones de trabajo, las expectativas y cómo es trabajar en DEAF, Inc.! Para postularse: envíe por correo electrónico la carta de presentación, el currículum vitae y una lista de tres referencias profesionales actuales a la Coordinadora administrativa/de recursos humanos, Ann Thompson, athompson@deafincma.org o aplicar en línea www.deafincma.org/jobs”

Click above to view the flyer
The image is a thumbnail for a video, likely related to a job opportunity or a recruitment campaign. It features Nayo in a casual blue button-up shirt. She is smiling and making a thumbs-up gesture with both hands, signaling positivity or success. The background is a simple, textured blue with text that reads “WE ARE HIRING ADVOCATES” in bold, capitalized yellow letters, indicating a call for applications or interest in advocacy-related positions. The overlay of a large red play button suggests that clicking on the image will play a video, possibly containing more detailed information about the hiring process or the roles to be filled.

Advocate

Health Advocate

Spanish Advocate

DBCAN Provider

Local American Sign Language (ASL) Instructors

AGENCY NEWS
A dark blue background with the DEAF, Inc. logo at the top left and the words, “Wellness Survey” to the right of it. Below is a graphic of a multicultural group of people exercising.

Hello community members! Can you please spend few minutes to fill out this survey about our Wellness Activities for the community? 


Your feedback is important to us!
Take the Survey

EVENTS

Goal Getters 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser

Have you registered yet? The DEAF, Inc. Goal Getters 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, April 27, 2024, is just around the corner!


Lace-up your sneakers for a day filled with community spirit and movement!


Participants can look forward to an enjoyable experience, whether walking or running, alongside fellow community members. We will also have face painting, vendors, and activities, promising a day of fun and engagement for all.


Register today at bit.ly/5KGoalGetters.
Image description: Purple background. White DEAF, Inc. logo at the top. Yellow text reads “Accomplish with us!“. Two white hands signing GOAL is below it. In white and yellow text, GOAL GETTERS 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser. People at the bottom walk and run, one is in a wheelchair, one has a guide and a cane, and one is pushing a stroller. A peach colored rectangle contains expectations of the event and a map of the route. Event is on April 27, 8:30 am to 12 pm, starts at 50 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA 02472. April 1 - $30, at the door $40. Register! www.bit.ly/5KGoalGetters

Click above to view the flyer
Image description: A blue background flyer with a pink interior containing text and images of miniature hearts. At the very top is the DEAF, Inc. logo, with the following text underneath it: “DEAF, Inc. Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened Committee presents VALENTINE'S DAY SOCIAL All Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened community members are welcome to join us! There will be light refreshments, drinks & desserts. Voice interpreters will be provided. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024 10AM-12PM Boston Office 50 Hunt St, Ste 200 Watertown, MA 02472 Street parking available For more info, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823”

Click above to view the flyer

DEAF, Inc. & Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened Committee presents: Valentine's Day Social

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 / 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

50 Hunt St, Ste 200 Watertown, MA 02472


All Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened community members are welcome to join us!


There will be light refreshments, drinks & desserts.


Voice interpreters will also be provided.
Image description: A pink background flyer with a blue/white strip at the top. The strip displays the DEAF, Inc. logo and the “Wellness Workshop” title at the top, beside it is clip art of a multicultural group exercising. Below in the pink section the text reads, “Building Healthy Relationships: Communication and Understanding Join our workshop, where you will learn communication skills, explore healthy vs unhealthy relationships, and be a part of discussions and activities to understand how to manage relationships. Tuesday, February 20, 2024 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm EST Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357 | Password: brainfood www.bit.ly/JoouxWorkshop ASL/English Interpreters are provided About the presenter: • Bee Gehman (they/them) M.Ed., CSE, CDI, is the founder of jooux, the Deaf Sexual Wellness Center • AASECT certified sexuality educator • Inclusive sexual health services, professional training, and comprehensive education for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities • Their mission: Empower through education, bridge gaps, and dismantle barriers for accessible sexual well-being Funded by Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grants.” With a photo of Bee Gehman on the left side of the screen and a multicultural group of people admiring lightbulbs at the center of the flyer.

Click above to view the flyer

DEAF, Inc. Presents a Wellness Workshop - Building Healthy Relationships: Communication and Understanding

Tuesday, Febuary 20, 2024 / 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm EST


Join our workshop, where you will learn communication skills, explore healthy vs unhealthy relationships, and be a part of discussions and activities to understand how to manage relationships!


This virtual event will be conducted on Zoom:


Meeting ID: 918 8838 8357 Password: brainfood
Image description: A dark green flyer with a yellow trim rectangle containing the text and an image of a leprechaun hat. At the very top we see the DEAF, Inc. logo with the following text underneath it: “DEAF, Inc. Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened Committee presents Lucky St. Patrick's Day Social Friday, March 8, 2024 10am-12pm Northern Essex Community College Hartleb Technology Center Building Room 103B Light refreshments & drinks will be provided All Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened community members are welcome to celebrate the luck of the Irish! Northern Essex Community College College Ave, Haverhill, MA 01830 Free Parking For more info, or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823

Click above to view the flyer

DEAF, Inc. & Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened Committee presents: Lucky You! "St. Patrick's Day Social"

Friday, March 8, 2024 / 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Northern Essex, Community College
Hartleb Technology Center Building
Room 103B


All Hard of Hearing & Late-Deafened community members are welcome to celebrate the luck of the Irish!


Light refreshments & drinks will be provided.
Image description: A dark blue background with the DEAF, Inc. logo at the top and a clip art image of five stick figure people joining hands with a red heart above them. After the logo the text reads, “The New Bedford staff invite you to SENIOR SOCIAL For Deaf/DeafBlind/ Hard of Hearing/Late-Deafened OLDER ADULTS & SENIORS Every 2nd Tuesday of the month Light refreshments & drinks will be provided. Next one is on TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2024 10AM-12PM New Bedford Office 888 Purchase St, Bay 1 New Bedford MA, 02740 Garage & Street Parking available for $2/hr For more info, or to request accommodations, contact hello@deafincma.org or 617-505-4823”

Click above to view the flyer

The Senior Social Event at New Bedford Office

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 / 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
888 Purchase St, Bay 1 New Bedford MA, 02740


For Deaf / DeafBlind / Hard of Hearing / Late-Deafened OLDER ADULTS & SENIORS


Light refreshments & drinks will be provided.


(EVERY 2nd TUESDAY)

ASL Program

NEW ASL PROGRAM BLOG


Customer Service:

The Ideal Deaf Experience

Learn how to create the ideal Deaf experience in customer service with our article. Explore key practices that uplift customer service interactions with deaf and hard of hearing individuals and take a few more tips and tricks with you for making the world a better place for everyone!
Read the Blog


DeafBlind Community Access Network (DBCAN)

DBCAN EVENTS
Image description: A black and white flyer with white DEAF, Inc. “BASH HOUR” with a thin white divider line below. “WHERE? Game Night DEAF, Inc. Watertown Office. 50 Hunt Street, Suite #200, Watertown, MA 02472. WHEN? February 17, 2024. 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.” thin white divider line below that. “Come play games and bring your favorite desserts! Touch you there!” at the bottom.

BASH HOUR


WHERE?
Game Night!
DEAF, Inc. Watertown Office 50 Hunt Street, Suite #200 Watertown, MA 02472

WHEN?

February 17, 2024 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Come play games and bring your favorite desserts!

Touch you there!
Image description: A black and white flyer with white DEAF, Inc. “BASH HOUR” with a thin white divider line below. “WHERE? St. Patrick’s Day! TBA. WHEN? Saturday, March 16, 2024. 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.” thin white divider line below that. “Be sure to wear green or we will pinch you! We will enjoy corned beef with sides! Touch you there!” at the bottom.

BASH HOUR


WHERE?
St. Patrick's Day!

TBA


WHEN?
Saturday March 16, 2024

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM


Be sure to wear green or we will pinch you! 


We will enjoy corned beef with sides!


Touch you there!

Support Groups for DeafBlind and Providers

DBSG
February 7, 2024 Watertown
March 6, 2024 Lawrence
April 3, 2024 TBA
May 1, 2024 TBA 


We will be providing 2 time slots of DBSG:


12:00 PM- 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM! 


12:00 PM – 2:00 PM will be held in different regions each month. Please look at which region each month will be held at. 


5:00 PM- 7:00 PM will be held virtually through ZOOM. We will provide interpreters!! Please book for a Communication Facilitator if you need one for ZOOM.


Touch you there! 

Advocacy, Resources, and Education Services

Wellness Workshop:
'Tis the Season for Diabetes
Image description: Jason Rotoli having a discussion and answering questions during the ‘Tis the Season for Diabetes workshop with community members
Image description: Jason Rotoli having a discussion and answering questions during the ‘Tis the Season for Diabetes workshop with community members
Image description: Jason Rotoli having a discussion and answering questions during the ‘Tis the Season for Diabetes workshop with community members

Jason Rotoli, MD, answers questions from our community members regarding Diabetes, in our Wellness workshop "Tis the Season for Diabetes".


Thank you to everyone who attended! This event was made possible by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Community Grant.

Senior Citizens Consumer Success Story:

Dennis Phillipe
Image description: An image of Dennis Phillipe, a smiling elderly white man wearing a green sweater, and glasses.

Dennis Phillipe is a deaf retired senior citizen who lives in the Southeast MA area with his wife. Dennis came to DEAF, Inc. for technology support. In fact, his journey started back during the COVID-19 lockdown when he called us for help because he wanted to learn how to use Zoom. With ARES’ assistance, Dennis was able to upgrade his computer to Windows 10 and learned about free webcam apps he can use on his computer, using his iPhone as a webcam with the USB connect method.


Since 2020, Dennis has been learning new technology terms and how to use technology to his benefit, especially during Bible Study on Zoom with his friends. Dennis is grateful that he is able to pick up on these new technology skills at his age.


More recently, Dennis used ARES’ services to help him navigate buying a new laptop with a built in webcam. He was pleasantly surprised that he could customize his laptop to his preferences that benefitted his limited vision and deafness, especially at nighttime. He was delighted to learn that his laptop is touch screen which means he doesn’t need to rely on using the mouse and he can use his fingers to open apps or move things around on the screen.


Dennis is able to use his knowledge from ARES’ services and apply them to his daily routine when using his laptop, and using the Zoom app for socializing.

ARES Citizenship and Integration Program

In December 2023, DEAF, Inc. ARES launched our second U.S. Citizenship preparation class. Led by a Deaf instructor who became a naturalized citizen, our Zoom-based classes offer Deaf immigrants with an opportunity to learn about U.S. history and customs to prepare for the naturalization test and interview. Classes and study groups are open to eligible ARES consumers. If you are not receiving services from ARES, please contact the Front Desk to get more information.


“Naturalization” is the word that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) uses for “becoming a citizen.” For anyone considering naturalization, there is a lot of information to think about, and most of the resources provided by USCIS are in English or other written languages. ARES aims to change that by increasing ASL access to citizenship resources.


An important part of the naturalization process is taking the U.S. Civics Test. USCIS will select 10 out of 100 possible questions for each test that they administer. It can be challenging for anyone who is not fluent in English to study and prepare for that many questions. ARES is helping make it a bit easier by creating ASL vlogs for all 100 questions. Our goal is to make the naturalization process as Deaf-accessible as possible.


That’s not all! ARES is also producing ASL vlogs on different topics related to citizenship. Examples include: how to request accommodations at your USCIS appointment, how to prepare for the naturalization interview, what the eligibility requirements are for naturalization, what the English language exemption is, and much more. These vlogs will be available on our website once the project is complete. ARES welcomes your suggestions on specific citizenship-related topics that you think would make a great ASL vlog. Simply inform your ARES Advocate, or contact the Front Desk.
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
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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 flyer 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, Federal Administration for Community Living, MA COVID-19 Community Grants, USCIS Innovations in Citizenship Grant, HealthCare for All, MassHealth, Association for the Relief of Aged Women of New Bedford, Blue Cross and Blue Shield.