EVENTS

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

November 20, December 18

Community News

Voting Dates and Deadlines

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Accessible Voting 2024

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Celine Dion Releases 20 New Music Videos (ft. Angela "AV" Vilavong)

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To honor International Day of Sign Languages on September 23rd, singer Celine Dion has released 20 new ASL music videos from her "I Am" soundtrack! These videos were directed by Irene Taylor and feature Deaf music signing artist Angela "AV" Vilavong. To view more ASL music videos, click here.

Other Resources

"What is Long COVID" Wellness Workshop

Presented by Dr. Alicia Wooten

MBTA Reduced Fare Program

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You may qualify for a reduced fare card if you meet the following income-eligibility requirements:

• You are a Massachusetts resident
• You have a government-issued ID
• You are between 18 and 64 years old
• You are enrolled in one of these state assistance programs:
  • Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children (EAEDC)
  • MASSGrant
  • MassHealth CarePlus
  • MassHealth Family Assistance
  • MassHealth Limited
  • MassHealth Standard
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)

Eligibility must be renewed annually.

Note: If you do not meet these qualifications, you may still be eligible for other reduced fare programs, which offer discounted rates on bus, subway, Commuter Rail, and ferry services.

Click here for the details. 

Medicare Information

Medicare Open Enrollment

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Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. During this period, you can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage (Part C) and drug plans (Part D). Additional enrollment periods include:

• Initial Enrollment: For those new to Medicare, beginning 3 months before to 3 months after Medicare starts.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: For current Advantage plan holders, from January 1 to March 31.
• Special Enrollment: Available year-round for specific situations like moving or losing coverage.

For assistance, contact a SHINE counselor at your local senior center or Minuteman Senior Services SHINE Program at 781-221-6171.

How to Join a Medicare Plan

• Compare Plans: Use the Medicare & You handbook or consult a trusted agent.
• Explore Medigap: Learn about Medigap policies and when to purchase them for additional coverage.

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Medicare in Massachusetts

Medicare recipients in Massachusetts can now access expanded benefits through the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) thanks to advocacy by the Mass Senior Action Council (MSAC). With increased income limits, individuals with monthly incomes under $2,844 (single) or $3,853 (married) may qualify. Starting March 1, 2024, asset limits are removed, allowing more people to save on healthcare costs.

MSP, managed by MassHealth, helps pay Medicare Part B premiums and offers prescription copay relief, with generics capped at $4.50 and brand-name drugs at $11.20. Some beneficiaries also receive assistance with deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

These changes were championed by MSAC, a senior-led organization advocating for improved healthcare, affordable housing, and elder rights. For more information or to apply, call 617-284-1275. To connect with MSAC’s South Shore organizer, Steve Craffey, email steve@masenioraction.org or call 508-330-2174.

Changes to Medicare Savings Plan

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A Visual Guide to Fraud

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Sorenson VRS CARE package

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Sorenson VRS Access Options

Sorenson provides multiple ways for you to use VRS, both standalone VP and apps for mobile and computer. If you only have one because you don’t have a device to access the others, you can get help through our Sorenson Communication Access and Relay Equipment (CARE) package!

Don’t have a Sorenson VRS VP or app right now?

You can still apply for the Sorenson CARE package.

What options are available with the Sorenson CARE package?

• Our latest videophone, Lumina VP
• A tablet

There’s no cost to you for the CARE package. Its purpose is to ensure all eligible

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.

Nicotine Anonymous Meetings in ASL

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Nutrition Labels Explained

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Want to Eat Healthier? Read the label!

Matthew Schwartzer, like many Americans, quickly glances at nutrition labels, focusing on sugar and protein but often skipping vitamins, minerals, and ingredient lists due to confusion. With only 28% of Americans finding these labels easy to understand, some brands now voluntarily display key nutrients on the front of packages, and the FDA is considering making this mandatory to help consumers make more informed choices at a glance.

Start Here: The Ingredient List

Start with the ingredient list when reading food labels, as it helps identify whether a product is wholesome or ultra-processed. Ultra-processed foods, like candy and instant ramen, often contain industrial ingredients (e.g., high fructose corn syrup) and are linked to health risks like obesity and heart disease. Key things to look for include a shorter ingredient list, familiar ingredients, and the order of ingredients by weight, as the first few are the most significant. Organic labels don’t always mean healthier, so always read beyond the marketing.

How to Read the Nutrition Facts Panel

The Nutrition Facts panel breaks down a product’s nutritional content, making it valuable for comparing similar items. For example, you can pick a cereal with more fiber and less added sugar or a frozen pizza with lower sodium. The guide below walks you through the panel step-by-step, highlighting nutrients people often over- or under-consume, which can impact health.

1. Serving Size

Serving size indicates the typical amount of food people consume per serving.

How to use it: Start with the serving size, as the entire label is based on this measurement—which may differ from your usual portion. For example, if the granola serving is 2/3 cup, measure your portion and adjust the calorie and nutrient amounts accordingly. This applies to foods like chips and hummus too. When comparing products, ensure the serving sizes are similar for accurate comparisons.

2. Calories

Calories reflect the amount per stated serving size. Don’t be misled by a low calorie count—it might only apply to a small portion, like a quarter or even a sixteenth of the whole package!

How to use: Once you know your typical serving size, adjust the calories accordingly.

3. Percent Daily Value

The percentages on the label reflect the approximate daily nutrient needs, such as dietary fiber and calcium. These “daily values” provide a general guideline, based on a 2,000-calorie diet, though individual needs vary. Macronutrients like fats, carbs, and sugars, as well as micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, are grouped under these general values because specific needs depend on factors like age, sex, and life stage (e.g., pregnancy).

How to use: A nutrient is considered “low” at 5% or less and “high” at 20% or more. Low percentages are ideal for sodium, while high values are preferable for fiber and other beneficial nutrients.

4. Saturated Fat

Excess saturated fat raises LDL or "bad cholesterol," which can clog arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to no more than 10% of total daily calories.

(Trans fat is even more harmful, but with the ban on partially hydrogenated oils, it’s no longer a concern in most foods.)

How to use: Aim to choose foods with 5% or less saturated fat and limit those with 20% or more. High saturated fat foods include full-fat dairy, fatty meats, poultry with skin, and packaged items made with butter or tropical oils like coconut and palm oils.

5. Sodium 

Sodium is essential for muscle and nerve function and helps regulate body fluids. However, too much sodium can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The Dietary Guidelines recommend a daily limit of 2,300 mg, though some individuals may need even less—consult your doctor for personalized advice.

How to use: Compare labels and opt for lower-sodium versions of similar products. Foods like bread, chips, pickles, pizza, and soup tend to be high in sodium, but it’s important to check all labels, as sodium is present in many foods.

6. Dietary Fiber

Dietary fiber, a carbohydrate in plant foods, isn’t digestible by us but is broken down by our gut microbiome, which thrives on high-fiber diets. A more fiber-rich diet supports a diverse microbiome, potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases, while also helping prevent constipation and heart disease.

How to use: Opt for foods high in fiber, but prioritize quality ingredients. For instance, choose 100% whole grain bread with 2-3 grams of fiber per slice over refined bread with added bran, as whole grains offer extra benefits like vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients beyond just fiber.

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7. Added Sugars

Added sugars encompass sweeteners like white sugar, honey, high fructose corn syrup, and fruit juice concentrate. Beyond obvious sources such as soda, candy, and desserts, sugar also sneaks into foods like bread, salad dressings, fruit yogurt, and sauces. Diets high in added sugars are associated with weight gain, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

It’s important to note that “Added Sugars” on labels exclude artificial sweeteners and natural sugars like lactose in milk or sugars in whole fruits. However, the “Total Sugars” line includes both naturally occurring and added sugars but does not cover artificial sweeteners.

How to use: Choose foods with minimal added sugar. The Dietary Guidelines recommend keeping added sugars to no more than 10% of total daily calories—about 50 grams for a 2,000-calorie diet. Your specific limit may vary based on your daily calorie needs.

8. The Rest of the Vitamins and Minerals

Most U.S. food brands are required to list vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium on labels, as many Americans are deficient in these nutrients. However, some labels include additional vitamins and minerals. Keep in mind that manufacturers often add nutrients to otherwise less nutritious foods. For example, muesli—a simple blend of oats, fruit, and nuts with no added sugar and just 2% of the daily calcium value—is a healthier choice than an ultra-processed breakfast bar that claims 10% of the daily calcium value but is loaded with added ingredients.

RSV Immunizations

RSV can pose serious risks for babies and older adults. This marks the second year that RSV immunizations are available to help protect these vulnerable groups from severe illness. There are specific recommendations for older adults and separate guidelines for babies, which include two immunization options.

RSV Vaccines for Older Adults

The CDC recommends a single RSV vaccine dose for everyone aged 75+ and for adults aged 60-74 at higher risk due to chronic health conditions, weakened immunity, severe obesity, or residence in nursing homes. Vaccines have proven effective, reducing RSV-related hospitalizations and ER visits by 75-80% based on 2023-2024 data. If you’ve already received the vaccine, no additional dose is needed. For more on specific risk factors, refer to the CDC’s Clinical Overview of RSV.

RSV Immunizations to Protect Infants

The CDC recommends two options to protect babies from severe RSV: a maternal RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) for mothers during pregnancy (weeks 32-36) and an RSV antibody (nirsevimab) for newborns, ideally administered in the first week after birth or just before the RSV season. Nirsevimab is also suggested for certain high-risk children aged 8-19 months. Most infants will need only one option. Nirsevimab has shown 80-90% effectiveness in preventing RSV hospitalizations, while the maternal vaccine reduces hospitalization risk by 68% and protects babies for around six months.

COVID INFORMATION

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

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Who Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

Reminder:

Everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated before or previously had COVID-19.

Why the 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine is Important:

• Vaccine protection decreases over time.
• Updated vaccines offer the best protection against current COVID-19 strains.

It's especially important to get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• Have never been vaccinated for COVID-19.
• Are 65 years or older.
• Are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• Live in a long-term care facility.
• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
• Want to reduce your risk of Long COVID.

Recommended COVID-19 Vaccines

Two vaccines are available for use in the United States. There is no preference for one vaccine over the other when more than one vaccine is recommended for an age group.

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Note: The 2023–2024 Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine remains authorized but is no longer available in the United States, as all doses have expired. Accordingly, at this time, CDC recommendations for use of Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine have been removed. This page will be updated if FDA approves or authorizes additional 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccines.

Free COVID19 Tests

Get 4 Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Every U.S. household is eligible to order four free COVID-19 tests delivered right to your door. Testing can help you determine if you have COVID-19, enabling you to make informed decisions—like seeking treatment to reduce the risk of severe illness and taking steps to prevent spreading the virus to others.

There’s no cost for your tests, including free shipping. Please allow at least one week for delivery.

Click here for the details. 

Testing helps prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19. If you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, you should be tested, regardless of your vaccination status.

How to Get a COVID-19 Test

No-Cost Testing Locations

COVID-19 testing is available at certain locations at no cost, even if you don’t have health insurance. Use the CDC’s Testing Locator to find a nearby testing site.

Test-to-Treat Locations

“Test to Treat” locations offer both COVID-19 testing and treatment, with some sites providing telehealth services as well. Find a Test-to-Treat location near you.

STAY UP TO DATE WITH DEAF, Inc.

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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