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Community Newsletter

July 2025
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Recent Events

Celebration of Seniors
June 13, 2025
Left to right DEAF, Inc.'s advocates: Alexis: a white woman w/long dark brown hair, wearing a short-sleeved black top w/a white laced collar, Devon, a white woman w/long red curly hair in a half ponytail wearing a navy blue DEAF, Inc. polo shirt & Wendy, a white woman w/medium length curly brown hair, wearing a navy blue DEAF, Inc. polo shirt. All are standing behind the exhibition table with DEAF, Inc. promotional items, a prize wheel and exhibition stands for QR codes. The table is covered in blue with a huge white DEAF, Inc. logo. Behind them is a cream colored wall with the bottom half in wooden panels and a cabinet with glass on the left and an open door on the right.

DEAF, Inc. was proud to host an exhibition table at the Bristol County Celebration of Seniors event, held at at White's of Westport. The event brought together community organizations, service providers and older adults for a day of learning, connection and celebration.  

Staff from DEAF, Inc. (from left to right) Alexis Sye (new Advocate), Devon Hostetler (Regional Coordinator) and Wendy Clemmey (Advocate) were present to share information about our services, answer questions and connect with attendees. 

Hearing Aid Bill Workshop
June 13, 2025
Presenter Nina Silver -a white woman with grey chin-length hair, wearing a grey top-from Disability Policy Consortium standing in front of a white screen (picture is red with white font) "An Act Relative To Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids 3946 June 13, 2025" there is a small picture of her with an interpreter for those attending the workshop on Zoom.
Presenter, Nina Silver from Disability Policy Consortium, a white woman with grey chin-length hair, wearing a grey top and glasses is standing in front of the projector screen next to the interpreter, presenting.

DEAF, Inc.'s Hard of Hearing/Late-Deafened committee hosted a letter writing & advocacy workshop specifically for the Hearing Aid Bill: H.3946. The guest speaker was Nina Silver from Disability Policy Consortium. 

Boston Pride
June 14, 2025
DEAF, Inc. staff: Advocate Nicole-white woman with long dark brown hair, wearing a black jacket, Advocacy Team Manager Valerie-an Asian woman with long black hair wearing glasses, a black jacket over her light blue and white striped sweater and Advocate Wendy-a white woman with brown curly hair pulled back with strands of hair on the side of her face and is wearing a black jacket-are standing under a white tent, in front of an exhibit table with promotional items and a prize wheel on the table, smiling at the camera. There are a few chairs behind them.

DEAF, Inc. was proud to host an exhibition booth at Boston's Pride event.

Staff from DEAF, Inc. (from left to right) Nicole Dergosits (Advocate), Valerie Horn (Advocacy Team Manager), and Wendy Clemmey (Advocate) were present to share information about our services, answer questions and connect with attendees.

Boston Jail and Police Headquarter Tours 

June 16, 2025
DEAF, Inc. staff are standing among Boston police and trainers with strike pads in front of them, at their self defense training class.
Visual description: Rossy is a Hard of Hearing brown skinned Hispanic female with black eyes, thick dark brown curly hair. She is wearing a dark blouse. She is in a room where a uniformed policeman is holding a strike pad. She is practicing hitting the strike pad with her elbow twice then turning around, holding both arms up indicating that she is strong.

DEAF, Inc.'s staff recently visited the Boston Jail and Police Headquarter to gain a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the impact of incarceration of individuals and their families. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to community safety and awareness staff also took time to review basic self-defense techniques which is an important skill while working in the community. 

Open House Reception at New Bedford office

June 17, 2025
Visual description: Catarina Lima, Manager of Advocacy Services, is standing on a chair to give a short speech. She is a white female with light brown chin length hair, glasses wearing a black top, pants, and shoes. She is standing on a black chair so everyone can see her sign. The camera shows everyone else (approximately 20 people altogether) sitting down watching her from across the room, a few are standing. Transcript: Thank you for coming and welcome to our new office. I hope this is the permanent home for this office. *laughter* We have a history of moving from place to place. This is the perfect environment, and the walls are blue, which is a great match for DEAF, Inc.'s color. I want to thank staff for helping me with the move. I also would like to thank Darian as well. Some of you have had a tour and others have not. We will be happy to give a tour for some who aren't able to come today.
A mixture of people from the community and DEAF, Inc. staff (3 are kneeling and squatting in front of the 7) at the New Bedford's open house reception, smiling at the camera.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, DEAF, Inc.'s New Bedford office hosted an Open House Reception.  It was a success!  Thank you for coming! If you weren't able to attend, please contact us to schedule a tour! 

DEAF, Inc. News

Grant Awarded to DEAF, Inc. for caregiving support

DEAF, Inc. was one of several agencies that received a $200,000 award from the Point32Health Foundation.  The grant enables DEAF, Inc. to partner with the Massachusetts Deaf Senior Citizens organization to expand caregiving support for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of hearing and Late-Deafened seniors across the state.  To see other Point32Health Foundation awardees, visit https://point32healthfoundation.org/june-2025-grants

HAPPENING NOW!!

MCDHH UPDATE: Boston Office Relocation
Image description: light blue transparent background with a building with multiple windows; upper left corner: MCDHH logo; below in white text: We are locating to; next line in yellow text: 40 Broad Street, Boston; next line in white text: Our new office opens Mid-July. Below in white text: Learn more: then in yellow text: mass.gov/mcdhh

Dear MCDHH Community:

I am pleased to share an important update from the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) regarding the next chapter in our service to the community.

Effective May 30, 2025, walk-in services at our current Boston location at 600 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, will no longer be available as we prepare to relocate to a more accessible and modern office space.

We are thrilled to share that our new office, situated at 40 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02109, is set to open in mid-July 2025, pending the final construction. This new location is not only more accessible but also offers a modern and improved environment for our services.

Rest assured, during this transition period, we are fully committed to maintaining our service without any interruptions. Our dedicated MCDHH staff will continue to work remotely and will be available to meet with individuals in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

*Please note that our phone and fax numbers will remain unchanged—only our physical address is moving.

Need assistance?

  • Contact your MCDHH Service Navigator/Children’s Specialist directly
  • Call us at 617-326-7546 (videophone)
  • Email us at MCDHHFrontDesk@mass.gov

For the latest updates on our relocation and ongoing services, we encourage you to visit mass.gov/mcdhh, follow us on social media, or subscribe to our email notifications.

**Note: We regret that an ASL version of this announcement is not available at this time. Due to the relocation, our video equipment has already been packed. We appreciate your understanding.

We deeply appreciate your patience and unwavering support as we embark on this exciting journey to enhance our service delivery across the Commonwealth. Your continued support is invaluable to us.

Warm regards,

Opeoluwa Sotonwa, LL.M., LP.D.

Commissioner

Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Upcoming Events

Southeast Cape Cod 55 + Deaf Social
ID: Header-center in maroon with white text: Southeast-Cape Cod 55 + Deaf Social. Picture below: 12 people, outside, some are sitting, and others are standing, smiling, posing for the camera with a canal behind them. Below on the left in a box w/maroon background w/white text: Buzzards Bay Park, 1st Wednesday of the month, May-September 2025, 10am-12pm. Address: 90 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. Below in black text: Please mark your calendars. Box on the right(maroon w/white text): Wednesday with May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6 & September 3 listed. Below in black background & white text: Your social coordinator, Pauline Raiche

Wednesdays

10am - 2pm

July 2

August 6

September 3


 Buzzards Bay Park 

90 Main St

Buzzards Bay

Holiday Closure
July 4
Navy blue background with flags-some with red and white stripes and others: navy blue with white stars)hung across the top of the flyer. Below: DEAF, Inc. logo in white. Below in white font: HOLIDAY CLOSURE then a 3 tired cake decorated in (first tier)blue with white stars with 3 candles, 2nd and 3rd tiers: red and white stripes on a blue plate. Below: OUR OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF Independence Day ON FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2025

Caregiver Support
ID: Flyer w/white background and purple text. Header: Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter w/logo and Arizona Commission for the deaf and hard of hearing logo. 3 pictures below: left: 2 men-one older with 1 younger sitting at a table looking at a laptop w/a white wall and sheer curtain behind them. Middle: 2 people using ASL through a laptop. Right: lap of an older person with a younger while younger is holding the older person's hand in a caring way. Below: Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind Caregiver Support. Below left: Please Join Us, Virtual Zoom, 2nd Wednesday of the month 3p PDT/4p MDT/5p CDT/ 6p EDT and a list of dates and subject of each session. Each session is 90 mins long w/brief education followed by caregiver support group. Make arrangements for your loved one prior to attending. CART and ASL interpreters provided. Register FREE at https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/S4e7KcSsS_-GIm6iWboFXg

Are you taking care of someone?
Register Here

Free Support 
Sessions
July 9

55+ Gangs 

Deaf Social Gathering

Braintree

Wednesdays

10am - 2pm


July 16   Oct 15

Aug 20    Nov 19

Sept 17   Dec 17

              


South Shore Plaza

Food Court 

250 Granite St

Braintree, MA 
ID: Header-center, in olive green with white text: 55 + Gangs Deaf Social Gathering. Picture below: Several people inside a mall in the food court sitting with some standing behind them, smiling and posing for the camera. A few are dressed in the Christmas spirit. Below on the left in a box w/olive background w/white text: Deaf Social Gathering in Braintree, 3rd Wednesday of the month, 10am-12pm. South Shore Plaza Food Court 250 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184 Please mark your calendars. Box on the right(olive w/white text): Wednesday with May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 & December 17 listed. Below in olive background w/white text: Your social coordinator, Pauline Raiche

DEAF, Inc. Workshop: 

Parent Workshop on Stress Reduction
July 18, 2025
Lt blue background w/dark blue text. Top left: Parent Workshop Stress Reduction Below: a gray box w/blue text: Friday July 18, 2025, 1PM-3PM Below in blue text: Out of the Blue: A Visual Relaxation Journey. Presenter: Roxanne Daleo, What to Expect: a 60-minute guided relaxation session to learn how to manage stress w/ time for Q&A or informal socializing, & an opportunity to connect w/other parents in a supportive space. Top right: a square illustration of 3 children meditating. Below: gray box in blue text: DEAF, Inc. Office 370 Merrimack St, #205 Lawrence, MA. Below: 2nd gray box w/blue text: ASL interpreters & light refreshments will be provided, For more information, contact: hello@deafincma.org / (617) 505-4823. Bottom left: photo of Dr. Roxanne smiling. Next to the photo in blue text: About Dr. Roxanne–Founder of MindWorks for Children, blending art, music, & guided imagery to help kids transform anxiety into calm, confidence, & self-worth. Bottom right corner: white DEAF, Inc. logo in a cobalt blue box

Summer Friday Fun at North Shore Children's Museum
July 18, 2025
Space is limited-RSVP ASAP!
Main background: blue with white text. Top left corner: pencil-shaped rocket, top right corner: shooting star w/Let’s Go!, center on both sides: paper airplane bottom left corner: , glowing lightbulb, and bottom right corner: a globe; top center: in white box w/blue text: Boston Children's Hospital, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program Outreach and Support Services; below in a green box w/white text: COME JOIN US FOR SOME then below in white text: SUMMER FRIDAY FUN AT: (in red, yellow, green, blue alternating text) North Shore (in blue text) Children's Museum; below in a green box w/white text: July 18th, 2025, 4p-6p, 10 Main St., Peabody, MA; Indoor creative play for children ages 1-8 & dinner will be provided. This event is limited to 40 guests due to space. Please RSVP w/number and age of children to: dhhpoutreach@childrens.harvard.edu Below on left: ASL interpreter logo in white and sponsors: The Decibels Foundation & The Caroline Bass Fund
RSVP Here

ADA 35: BOSTON | JULY 23, 2025
Image description is in the text below the flyer.

ADA 35 Boston July 23, 2025. 12:00 pm: Flag Raising on City Hall Plaza. 12:30 pm: March & Roll to Boston Common. 1:00 pm: Rally at the Embrace Monument. Make your voices heard: Disability rights are worth fighting for! Join us on City Hall Plaza to march and roll to the Boston Common in honor of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ASL and CART will be provided. All locations are wheelchair accessible. An MBTA bus with air conditioning will be available for cooling. Water will be available so bring a bottle for refills. Interpretation, translation, and disability accommodations are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact Andrea at disability@boston.gov or call 617-635-3682. This event will take place rain or shine - we hope to see you there! Decorative images on the flyer include the disability pride flag, Boston City Hall, The Embrace Monument and colorful silhouettes of people with disabilities. Logos on flyer include; City of Boston, City of Boston Disabilities Commission. Boston Center for Independent Living.

DEAF, Inc. workshop: Working Together for a Greener Massachusetts
July 25, 2025
Top center: white DEAF, Inc. logo Green background with white text: Working Together for a Greener Massachusetts, an educational workshop hosted by DEAF, Inc. Advocate Nicole Dergosits Below in a grey box with white text: on the left: a white symbol of a calendar, July 25, 2025 12-1p EST on the right: a white symbol of a house, Join us on Zoom! Zoom ID: 918 8838 3557 Password: brainfood Below in white text: Why attend? A second grey box: a checklist with white font with 2 white checkmarks: Workshop will be presented in ASL! Learn about recycling and other ways we can protect our local environments On the right: A clipart image of the Earth showing people in different parts of the world doing various eco-friendly activities Bottom in white text: Voice interpreters requested. For more information, please contact Front Desk at: on the right in white text: Contact Us- white symbol of email: hello@deafincma.org, white symbol of a phone: 617-505-4823 and a white symbol of a website: https://www.deafincma.org

Worcester Deaf Club, Inc. Annual Cook out
August 10
White background w/black text: Worcester Deaf Club, Inc. is hosting our annual cookout; below in maroon text: POSTPONED-NEW DATE Sunday, August 10th, 2025; in black text: Menu: Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers & hotdogs, corn on the cob, potato chips & watermelon. DESSERTS Soda & water sold for $1 each. Left: image of a blank index card: COMPETITION: Bring your own best cold side dish. For food allergy/safety reasons: please clearly write ALL ingredients on an index card. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners. DINGO: $5 per player, on right: deck of cards; on left: picture of a sign: NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK Children's games provided; lake open for swimming. Bring your own lawn chair, towels & sunscreen. Please watch your kids swimming and playing - thank you! On right: image of cornhole board. Buffumville Lake Parking Fee: $5 cash per car (NOT a Worcester Deaf Club fee); for more info, email: WorcDeafClub@gmail.com OR VP: Heidi Kitka: 508-213-4104; Marco Polo: 774-634-9271

ODSC FAMILY FUN DAY

August 24 | 12-4pm
Background: blue skies with clouds, trees and grass and a picnic table. Top center: in bold red and black 3D text: FAMILY FUN DAY; top right corner: teal and purple logo of ODSC; below in center in 3 white 3D bubbles in black text: Sunday, August 24, 12-4PM, Green Hill Park - Worcester, MA; In purple on the left: $3 (in black text)admission-accepted cash or card at door on right in purple: $5, in black text: PLAY DINGO; Bottom left corner in bright yellow logo with green text: NOMS-will sell lunch meal, below in black text: ODSC will sell snacks and drinks; Bottom right: in a white burst graphic-a list of fun activities: Outdoor games, Bouncy house, face painting, petting zoo and more! On the bottom: white background w/black text: If you are interested in having a booth for your organization or to sell your crafts or if you have questions. Please contact event@odscma.org

MSAD Virtual State Conference 2025
September 20
Flyer: mix of blue, orange, black, & white for high contrast & readability. At top: MSAD Virtual State Conference 2025, Saturday, September 20, 2025 in large blue text. Schedule (on left in blue boxes w/orange icons): 🧑‍💼 10am–General Meeting & Elections 📄 1pm–Keynote Presenter–[blank space) 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 1:45p–2:45p-Language Equity Panel ⚙️ 3:00p-4:00p–Deaf Empowerment YES; On right: large “LOOK” w/cartoon eyes looking at "Prize Alert", Below: prize section w/confetti emojis: 🎉 Prize Alert! 🎉 We’ll be spinning the Wheel of Names between workshops for a chance to win: 💰 $100 • $75 • $50 gift card prizes! 👉 You must be present to win–if your name is called & you’re not there, we’ll spin again! Don’t miss your chance—stay w/us throughout the day! At the bottom of prize section: colorful prize wheel. Bottom of the flyer: www.massdeaf.org (in bold) Contact: Ivy Velez, Chair: vpcommunityrelations@massdeaf.org In black text, Zoom registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dZ4tcGh3TLCvz7f5jwspZw
Register for Virtual Conference
Contact Conference Chair

Spanish-Speaking Families!

Familias Hispanohablantes!
Image description: navy blue background with white text: On the left side in English: Spanish-speaking families! Learn American Sign Language Free 5-week program Tuesday evenings-Starts October 14, 2025; on the right: In Spanish: ¡Familias hispanohablantes! Aprenda Lengua de Señas Americano; programa gratuito de 5 semanas, martes por la noche. Comienza el 14 de octubre de 2025. Below on the left is a hand shape of an adult hand with a child holding the adult's hand; images of BIPOC families smiling; Zoom logo at the bottom.
Contact/Contacto

MSAD 50th Anniversary Celebration

SAVE THE DATE!! 

Saturday

November 1, 2025

11am - 3pm


Courtyard Boston Marlborough

75 Felton St 

Marlborough, MA 01752

Buffet Lunch: $75/person


www.massdeaf.org

DEAFinitely's Heart Truth: 
SAVE THE DATE!!
November 1 | 7:00 pm
Image description: dark teal background with yellow text at the top: Storytelling Saves Lives, and HEART TRUTH in large yellow text. Below: a hand reaching out with palm up to portray the sign for heart truth. Below in yellow text: Stories from Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Hard of Hearing communities
Image description: a Black woman with long curly hair, wearing a long-sleeved black leotard and long flooring white skirt performing on stage with their arms stretched out and raised with closed fists.

Saturday, November 1, 2025
7:00 PM EST

Mosesian Center for the Arts
Watertown, MA 

Heart Truth is a powerful live stage show featuring true stories of mental health and addiction recovery from Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and Hard of Hearing storytellers.
Become a Storyteller

Celebrating 155 Years: Horace Mann School For The Deaf
November 6-10, 2025
Flyer background: mainly white with a few light blue clouds on the left upper corner & on the right side, top center in navy blue text: CELEBRATING YEARS, in between: navy blue in thick larger text w/yellow outline: 155; below in black text: SAVE THE DATES, NOVEMBER 6-10, 2025; in a light blue bubble w/navy blue text: HORACE MANN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF; below in black text: Family ASL Night, School Spirit Week, Alumni Lunch, 155th Gala Celebration; below features a blue city skyline silhouette w/stylized buildings and the Zakim Bridge. Bottom section: road stretches across a green field symbolizing progress though time. 4 pin icons/milestones: dual language destination November 2019, 150 years November 2019, Charlestown September 2024 & Celebration November 2025; Bottom: Join us celebrating 155 years of Connection, Collaboration, & Growth; bottom right corner: 2 hands, one navy blue, one yellow

Deaf Alcoholics Anonymous
Save the Date:

January 17, 2026


Find an accessible Deaf Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) or ASL Interpreted meeting "TODAY"


Find tools for recovery from alcoholism

Education Classes

  • Money Management

  • ASL for Deaf

  • ASL for Hard of Hearing

  • English 

    (In-person & Zoom) 

  • US Citizenship preparation

ARES - Community Education
Image description: Paul Simmons-Community Education Manager at DEAF, Inc.-bald white man with a brown goatee, wearing a black shirt, standing in front of a grey background, slightly smiling at the camera.


We have classes!

Come join us!
Contact Education

Resources

Emergency Preparedness

2025 Hurricane Season

June 1 - November 30
Image description: Red tornado symbol
Image description: Weather radar with grey background surrounding different colors of an area showing the intensity, location and movement of precipitation.
Image description: thumbnail of vlog: white background with black text: Hurricane Awareness: It only takes ONE STORM(in blue text) to change your life and community"; on the right: picture of a woman wearing a grey polo shirt with an male interpreter on the left wearing a black polo shirt; bottom right corner: National Weather Service logo; above the text of the logo: caption showing what's being said
Watch here
Image Description: White man wearing a grey polo shirt standing in a media room with TVs and computers behind him, signing: Do you know your evacuation route?
Learn your Evacuation Route
Image description: White banner w/black text: Hurricane Awareness; below: a white man wearing a navy blue polo shirt with a white FEMA logo on his left shoulder in front of a black background signing, "Hurricane" with text on his right in white, Aaron Kubey, FEMA Certified Deaf Interpreter/Communication Access Specialist
Flood Insurance
Image description: Logo: a green banner with white text “Mass Bike” across a grey gear with a cycling symbol on top inside the gear

Want to apply for

E-Bike Vouchers 

$800-$1,200?
Apply here!
Image description: 7 people are lined up in front of a building, standing next to their bikes. Some are wearing bike helmets, and some are holding their bike helmets in their hand. Some are dressed in tank tops, t-shirts and shorts and others are wearing bright reflective vests, sunglasses, and gloves smiling and waving at the camera. Below the picture is an application for the E-bike voucher.
Image description: E-Bike Voucher Application Registration Form

We are hiring!
Flyer with blue background: upper right corner: DEAF Inc. logo in white; upper right corner: two hands in white, with little yellow starbursts. On the left under the logo, in white font: We’re Hiring! In the first yellow block in blue text: Role: Healthy Aging Project Intern, Paid. Department: ARES. Location: Remote with occasional in-person; second yellow block in blue text: Role: DBCAN Provider. Department: DeafBlind Services. Location: Statewide in Massachusetts. Bottom left corner: QR code to go to the website. In white, bold font text on the bottom center: Apply now!, and in regular white font: For more information or apply online at https://www.deafincma.org/jobs
Apply now!

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
Donate

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.

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 hello@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, 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, Liberty Mutual, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – Title VII Part B, Sanofi Genzyme, MA Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds, Rockland Trust, Point32Health