Recent Events

Image description: DEAF, Inc. Regional Coordinator - Northshore- Ronald Bergenheim standing in front of an audience, giving a presentation about what services DEAF, Inc. offers. 

Image description:  On the left: DEAF, Inc. Advocate - Boston, Takiyah "Taki" Harris and on the right, Lead Regional Coordinator - Boston, Nicole Dergosits are at the Watertown's annual Faire on the Square event, standing outside under a tent behind a table with a multi-colored prize wheel in the middle, surrounded by several different promotional items across the table. 

Image description: From left to right: Advocate - Lawrence, Wesley Silva, Advocate - Lawrence, Rossy Gutierrez, Executive Director, Darian Gambrell, Lead Regional Coordinator - Northeast & NorthShore, Linda Marple & Advocate - Salem, Todd Suffreti

On Wednesday, September 17th, the Financial Services Committee held a hearing that included DPC’s bill H.3946, which would expand access to affordable hearing aids. For decades, Deaf and Hard of Hearing people have been forced into an unfair choice: pursue work and a full life but risk losing coverage for hearing aids, or remain in poverty to stay under the income threshold for MassHealth and MassAbility services. Private insurance often doesn’t cover hearing aids, leaving people to pay $5,000–$10,000 out of pocket.No one should have to choose between living fully and hearing the world around them. This fight has been going on for over 30 years, and this week we saw real momentum. 19 people testified — most in person and some virtually — in one of the strongest community showings yet!We especially want to uplift DPC’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Organizer, Nini Silver, whose tireless leadership rallied the community and ensured that Deaf and HOH voices were front and center where they belong. This is what disability-led advocacy looks like: decades of persistence, collective power, and a community that refuses to be unheard. (Article credit: Disability Policy Consortium)

Image description:  A group of people standing together, inside the hearing room, some are holding the "H.3946" sign, smiling and posing for the camera. 

Image description:  A group of people standing, posing and smiling for the camera. 

BASH Happy Hour is Back!

After a long hiatus, DBCAN brought back its monthly BASH Happy Hour on September 19th! The plan is to hold the happy hour at a different location each month to make it easier for people all over the state to attend.

This first gathering was at the Starbucks located at 135 Endicott Street in Danvers, a short drive from the New England Home for the Deaf. We all had a great time catching up over coffee and pastries. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and share stories, both old and new.

During the happy hour, we also brainstormed ideas for future get-togethers. We have several exciting plans in the works, including:

• A pottery or arts and crafts event

• A board game social with games that are DeafBlind friendly

• Bowling

• Visiting a corn maze

• Apple and pumpkin picking

Over the next few months, we'll be visiting the Boston area and New Bedford, then moving on to Metrowest and Springfield/Chicopee.

We are so pleased that the BASH Happy Hour has returned, and we hope to see you at the next one! (Article credit: William Stratemeier)

Image description: A group of 4 people seated at 2 circular tables in a cafe.  From left to right: a man in a black t-shirt and glasses is sitting next to a woman wearing a black shirt and sunglasses, who is signing.  To her left, i sa woman with glasses and her hair pulled back.  A forth person, with dark curly hair and a patterned strap on their shoulder, is seated with her back toward the camera.  There are several drinks on the tables.  The cafe has large windows with cars and other buildings visible outside. 

DBCAN held its first-ever promotional booth at the Plymouth Church in Framingham, MA  to achieve two key goals: recruiting essential new providers for the future and connecting directly with potential consumers. These consumers are seeking services to help guide them through their daily lives, such as assistance with chores, participation in community events, and other basic daily living needs. William and Jon, representing DBCAN, conversed with many event participants, introducing them to the program and its mission, which generated significant interest from both prospective providers and individuals looking for services. (Article credit: William Stratemeier)

Image description: From left to right: DBCAN director, Jonathan LeJeune, is wearing a black polo shirt with a white DEAF, Inc. logo and a baseball cap.  He is holding a white cane pin with his right hand on the table. DBCAN Administrative Assistant & Co-Navigator, William Stratemeier, is wearing a black polo shirt with a white DEAF, Inc. logo, smiling and holding up a small white cane pin.  They are standing behind a table covered with a bright blue tablecloth featuring the DEAF, Inc. logo in white. The table has several different promotional items across it, along with informational brochures, white cane pins, a jar of lanyards and a laptop showing a presentation with a light-colored wall behind them. A fire exit sign is on the wall to the right. 

Image description: The flyer has a navy blue background with white text, accented by lighter blue boxes that highlight key details. The design is clean, modern, and visually organized into sections.

Top section: On the left side is a white DEAF, Inc. logo and on the right in white text in caps: ADVOCACY, RESOURCES, and EDUCATION SERVICES (ARES)

Below, centered in a medium blue bar: WALK-IN HOURS DAILY
then below in parentheses: CLOSED HOLIDAYS & DEC 24–JAN 1

Locations Section: Arranged in two rows with rounded light-blue rectangles containing each office’s details.

WATERTOWN  9AM – 12PM 

Address: 50 Hunt St, Ste 200, Watertown, MA 02472

LAWRENCE    9AM – 12PM 
Address: 370 Merrimack St, Ste 205, Lawrence, MA 01843

SALEM  9AM – 12PM
Address: 35 Congress St, Ste 220, Salem, MA 01970

NEW BEDFORD  9AM – 12PM
Address: 227 Union St, Mezz 2, New Bedford, MA 02740

HYANNIS (centered below the others),
Inside a medium blue box in white text: THURSDAYS ONLY 
Hours: 10AM – 1PM 
Address: 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 0260

Bottom Section:  Centered in white text: IF ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL FRONT DESK

Below, in a horizontal bar:  Left: White phone icon followed by 617-505-4823  Right: White envelope icon followed by HELLO@DEAFINCMA.ORG

Upcoming DEAF, Inc. Events

Image description:  This flyer is in green background with texts in white and colorful blocks and dices. On the top border, five happy people celebrating with blue, pink, light blue, and green stripes and DEAF, Inc. logo in white.
DEAF, Inc. is hosting Board Game Social (circled). All welcome, join the fun! Saturdays from 11 AM - 3 PM EST at DEAF, Inc. 370 Merrimack St, Suite 205 Lawrence, MA 01843. 
Snacks & Drinks provided. Enjoy a variety of fun games & Bingo. 
2025 Events: Oct 4. 2026 Events: Feb 7, Apr. 4, and June 6. 
If any questions, please call or email front desk at 617-505-4823 & hello@deafincma.org.

Image description:  This flyer is in purple background with texts in white and colorful blocks and dices. On the top border, five happy people celebrating with blue, pink, light blue, and green stripes and DEAF, Inc. logo in white.
DEAF, Inc. is hosting Board Game Social (circled). All welcome, join the fun! Saturdays from 11 AM - 3 PM EST at DEAF, Inc. 50 Hunt Street, Suite 50, Watertown, MA 02472. 
Snacks & Drinks provided. Enjoy a variety of fun games & Bingo. 
2025 Events: Oct 11. 2026 Events: Feb 21, Apr. 11, and June 13. 
If any questions, please call or email front desk at 617-505-4823 & hello@deafincma.org.

Image description: Flyer with a navy blue background, top, centered: DEAF, Inc. logo in white. Below in white text: Office is closed Monday, October 13, 2025 in observance of International Indigenous Peoples Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 14.  Below: on the left, in bright colored text (yellow-orange, pink and blue) INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY, on the right is an image of a dream catcher with multicolored feathers in orange, teal, blue, green, pink, yellow, forming a sunburst. 

Image description:  The flyer has a purple background with white DEAF, Inc. logo at middle top with two green bats and 3-4 playing cards on the edge on both sides, along with two dice, an hourglass and four sparkling yellow stars. Under the logo, in the bold all caps white text: Are you ready for Halloween? Underneath the title, the subtitle in the bold all caps “Dressed up or not, come and join us for spooky fun games!  

On the second half of the flyer in the middle, it has a ghost with a black witchy hat holding a brown broom and an orange pumpkin basket.  In all black, there is a small black bat just above the ghost and it is standing in the cemetery: two stone burials and three crosses with wild grasses.  On the left side of the ghost with a broom, in the white text: Friday, October 31 at 10am -12pm.  After that in the white text: DEAF Inc 227 Union St, Mezzanine 2, New Bedford, MA 02740

On the right side of the ghost with a pumpkin basket: in white text: Light refreshments provided. Under that, RSVP for reasonable accommodations and in bold white text: (617) 505-4823 hello@deafincma.org

Image description: This flyer is in maroon background with texts in white and colorful blocks and dice. On the top border, five happy people celebrating with blue, pink, light blue, and green stripes and DEAF, Inc. logo in white.
DEAF, Inc. is hosting Board Game Social (circled). All welcome, join the fun! Saturdays from 11 AM - 3 PM EST at DEAF, Inc. 35 Congress St., Suite 220 Salem, MA 01970. 
Snacks & Drinks provided.  Enjoy a variety of fun games & Bingo. 
2025 Events: Sept. 13 and Nov. 8. 2026 Events: Jan. 17, Mar. 14, and May 2. 
If any questions, please call or email front desk at 617-505-4823 &
hello@deafincma.org.

Image description: This flyer is in dark blue background with texts in white and colorful blocks and dice. On the top border, five happy people celebrating with blue, pink, light blue, and green stripes and DEAF, Inc. logo in white.
DEAF, Inc. is hosting Board Game Social (circled). All welcome, join the fun! Saturdays from 11 AM - 3 PM EST at DEAF, Inc. 227 Union St, Mezzanine 2, New Bedford, MA 02740.  
Snacks & Drinks provided.  Enjoy a variety of fun games & Bingo. 
2025 Events: Sept. 20 and Nov. 15. 2026 Events: Jan. 24, Mar. 21, and May 9. 
If any questions, please call or email front desk at 617-505-4823 &
hello@deafincma.org.

Upcoming Events

TLC Homecoming
Saturday, October 4 

Join The Learning Center for the Deaf for a special Homecoming Celebration as we kick-off our 55th Anniversary! Soccer and Volleyball games, food trucks, Vendors, Homecoming Court, and much more! Admission is free.  More details at tlcdeaf.org. 

Image description: Background of flyer is white. Top center: Logo of The Learning Center in gold; in navy blue cursive font: Celebrating 55 years, and in caps: THE LEARNING CENTER FOR THE DEAF. Below in navy blue font: Homecoming and below in green font: Saturday, October 4, 2025. 

On the left side, there is a black-and-white photo with a gold border showing a wooden sign that reads "The Learning Center for deaf children." The bottom photo shows a group of people, including some children in uniforms, standing next to a couple of horses.

​At the bottom right, there are two small, color photos with gold borders and the middle photo shows a crowd of people at an outdoor event with blue tents. The other shows children petting a horse. 

Image description: The flyer has a black background with a multi-colored border. Header in white text: Celebrating Disability Pride 2025; next line, in smaller white font: Join Us at this Community Event for Everyone! Below in 3 boxes of different colors from left to right: Green in black text: Joan Lorentz Park, Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, right top: dark aqua in black text: Saturday, Oct 4, below in white with black text: 11:00AM-2:00PM. Below in a yellow box with black texts: Event Information at sites.google.com/challiance.org/disability-pride   
Below lined in different color fonts: 
Silent Disco with DJ Nomadik 
Open Air Photo Booth
Adaptive Recreation 
Play Street Equipment
Sensory-Friendly Area

Disability Pride Stickers and Pins Featuring the Artwork of Dominic Killiany
Free Food (Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free Options)
Make-your-Own Disability Pride Tote Bag & Buttons
Disability Resources 

In a yellow banner in black text: Scan the QR Code to Register to receive a FREE T-Shirt at the Event! 
Below: A QR code and logos of 6 sponsors: Cambridge Health Alliance, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Cambridge Public Health Department, MAPC and Cambridge Arts. 
At the bottom: 2 red boxes in white text: on the left: Rain Date: Sunday, Oct 5 1PM-4PM; on the right: For Access Information email: ccpd@cambridgema.gov

ASL MONTHLY HOLYOKE DEAF CLUB

Saturday, October 13

Image description: The flyer has a simple black-and-white design. On Left image of colorful poker chips stacked with an Ace of Hearts card on top.  Right: Stack of poker chips with an Ace card on top, reinforcing the poker theme.  

Header, centered and in bold black text: ASL Monthly Holyoke Deaf Club

Below: Poker will be every 2nd Saturday of the month; on the left side, a list of scheduled poker dates: September 13th, October 11th, November 8th, December 13th, January 10th, February 14th, March 14th, April 11th, May 9th and June 13th. 
Center section: Buy-In Details: $30 Buy-In for 20,000 chips
Breakdown: ($25 goes to the prize, $5 goes to the Club) 
Contact info: Any questions or concerns please contact On Facebook Messenger: Lynn Williams, Henry Kwiatkowski, RJ Doiron, Groot Donovan 

Right side in bold black text: New Place!!!!  Address: Elks Lodge in Holyoke! 250 Whitney Ave, Holyoke, MA
Breakdown: $25 to Prize $5 to Holyoke Deaf Club
Time:  Doors open to register at 12:00 PM
Last Call at 12:45 PM  Poker Starts at 1:00 PM

Aprenda el lenguaje de Senas Americano 

Programa gratuito de 5 semanas
Martes por la noche

Comienza el 14 De Octubre de 2025 

 Learn American Sign Language

Free 5-week program on Tuesday Evenings - Starting October 14, 2025

55+ Gangs 

Deaf Social Gathering

Braintree

Wednesday, October 15

Join the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind to celebrate the independence of the white cane and help raise awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts which requires drivers to identify and yield to pedestrians using a white cane or dog guide at street crossings.

Friday, October 24, 2025

10:30 A.M. to 1 P.M.

Massachusetts State House - Great Hall

24 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02108

Registration is required. Space is limited

Attendees will have the opportunity to earn two ACVREP continuing education credits.

Refreshments provided by The Carroll Center for the Blind

Morning pastries

Fresh baked muffins

Bagels with toppings

Fresh cut seasonal fruit salad

Juices and bottled water

Coffee service with creamer and sugar 

Image description:  Black background with a thin red border taking up 3/4 of the flyer with WHITE CANE AWARENESS DAY in white caps font and below is MCB in Braille and MCB in caps and MCB spelled out. Left side: White Cane in Black, white and red with a white tip. On the right, there is a picture of a blind man in a business, using his white cane, walking with a woman dressed in a black top with orange pants, crossing the street in front of the Massachusetts State House.  

Image description:  The flyer has a black background with bright orange Halloween-themed graphics and text. Decorations include carved pumpkins, spider webs in the corners, and pumpkin characters with witch hats. Fonts are fun, playful, and bold, mostly in bright orange.

Top center in orange text: IN COLLABORATION WITH DNO, below in center: a large, grinning jack-o'-lantern with an evil expression.  Below: a vertical stack of three smiling jack-o'-lanterns, wearing a witch hat (on each side of the main title) JR. MSAD CAMP REUNION 1980-1989 Campers, Staff, Friends and Supporters Welcome, Free Admission (7:00 to 11:00 PM)
Below in very large text: HALLOWEEN; below in smaller text: 
Wear a Costume and Win Prizes!
Prices 1st: $100, 2nd: $75 and 3rd: $50
Bottom:  three carved pumpkins with glowing jack-o’-lantern faces, surrounded by autumn leaves and small gourds.  On the bottom right: When: Friday, Oct 31st
Where: Marriott Boston Marlborough 75 Felton Street Marlborough, MA 01752

Image Description: Flyer with black background with yellowish-gold text. Header in center and in caps: MSAD'S 50th Anniversary; top left and right corners: star and spheres and streamers with pennants. 
Below: celebration & champagne emoji on both sides MSAD is turning 50! 
Left: 3 balloons, 2 light blue and one medium blue, on the right: 2 balloons, one light blue, the other medium blue, Center: calendar emoji, Saturday, November 1, 2025. 

Clock emoji, 11 AM - 3 PM

Location emoji, Courtyard by Marriott, 75 Felton Rd., Marlborough, MA

Brunch, Awards, Keynote & Panel Presentation MSAD Garage Auction

Tickets: $75- ONLY 200 available! 

Don't wait - first come, first served! 

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/msad-50th-anniversary-celebration

DEAFinitely's Heart Truth: 
SAVE THE DATE!!
Saturday, November 1

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.

Image description: Flyer with white banner with medium blue text, header in center: MASSACHUSETTS, below are 5 different icons indicating types of disabilities: wheelchair, brain, interpreter hands, blind person using a cane, and an ear. Below: COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. Below in a navy blue background with 2 thick yellow dividers, in white text: Save the Date! Meeting the Moment, A Community Hearing and Resource Fair, November 4, 2025 From 5pm to 7pm Needham Town Hall. Below in medium blue background in white text: Join us for the first in a series of community hearings to listen and learn from individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, service providers, and advocates, agencies and disability commissions.  Scan QR code to learn more and register!  At bottom: QR code.

Horace Mann School For The Deaf
November 6-10, 2025

HMS is celebrating 155 years of connection, collaboration, and growth! Save the date — join us the weekend of November 6–10, 2025 for a celebration you won’t want to miss!

Image description: Upper left corner: Connecticut Association of the Deaf logo; in top center in blue background with 35th Biennial CAD Conference (in yellow and white text:) Upper right corner in blue background and white text: Saturday, November 8, 2025; 
Below on the left: PROGRAM OF THE DAY 8:00 am - 9:00 am Vendor Set up 9:00 am - 9:30 am Registration 9:30 am - 10:45 am Keynote Guest Speaker11:00 am - 11:45 am Guest Speaker12:00 pm - 1:45 pm LUNCH / AWARD 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm Panelists 3:00 pm - 5:15 pm General Mtg / Wheel Game 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm DINNER / AWARDS 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Entertainment

Center: picture of KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Niesha Washington-Shepard, right: QR Code "Scan Me"

Picture of 7 different arms in union pointing towards the THEME: Moving Ahead Towards a Better Future!
Below on right in a yellow oval in black text: at American School for the Deaf Visual Communications Center 139 North Main Street West Hartford, CT 06107; pictures of: Ivy Velez, GUEST SPEAKER, Matt Maxey: Performer/ASL Interpreter and Ian Sanborn: Performer/Artist. CONTACT: Terri Ditimi, Chair Email: terricd250@icloud.com, Paul Ditimi, Assistant Chair Email: ditigo@icloud.com Below: registration form with payment options. 

Image Description: The flyer has an off white background with brown text.  On the upper left corner: a QR code.  

Top center: Save the date: January 17, 2026. 

Below center: Special Forum for Deaf Alcoholic Anonymous Members  A Language and Cultural Special Forum for Deaf A.A. Members who use American Sign Language (ASL), Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) & Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) 
Below with bullet points:  
The event will be held online and facilitated by Deaf A.A. members.
There will be Deaf/hearing panelists and Q&A/discussion.
All A.A. members are welcome to attend.
Additional note:
The Q&A/discussion participation will primarily be dedicated to Deaf members as this forum is to provide a platform for the Deaf members to ask questions and to communicate with the General Service Board and the General Service Office.

Middle Section in bold: Why Attend? Recovery, Unity & Service

Below in bullet points:
Fellowship with Deaf A.A. members throughout USA/Canada.
Share experiences finding accessible meetings, literature, and sponsors.
Share ideas for carrying the message to still-suffering Deaf alcoholics.
Learn how the General Service structure works.
Explore ways to improve access and communication.
Work on solutions to meet Deaf members’ needs and strengthen the connection with the wider fellowship.

This event will have the following interpretation/translation. 

Below in bullet points:
American Sign Language ⇄ English
American Sign Language ⇄ Lengua de Señas Mexicana
Langue des Signes Québécoise ⇄ French
French ⇄ English
English ⇄ Spanish
Bottom Section:  Contact for questions: regionalforums@gmail.com
or deafaaforum@gmail.com Website: https://deafaa.org
Bottom-right corner: an interpreter icon

Resources

Emergency Preparedness

2025 Hurricane Season

June 1 - November 30

Using VRS while outside the U.S.

If you plan to travel outside the United States and need to make VP calls using VRS, you need to pre-register.  If your VRS provider is not listed below, you'll have to contact them to get further information.

• Sorenson link: https://sorenson.com/vrs/international-travel/

• Convo Link: https://convorelay.com/convo-passport/

Few things to keep in mind:

1. To pre-register through the VRS travel form, you must submit the form at least one day before leaving the United States.

2. If you leave the country without pre-registering with Sorenson through the form, you need to email the FCC at dro@fcc.gov to get the waiver and email it to the appropriate customer service to use VRS.

3. If your work VP number was approved by your supervisor for remote work outside the United States, it is vital to complete this step to avoid interruptions of your work.  

What happens if international calls were made without this requirement?  Your phone number will be suspended and locked preventing you from making further calls until you contact FCC.

Video transcript: 
Using Video Relay Services (VRS) While Traveling Outside the United States While traveling outside the United States, you may need to make or receive VRS calls to or from the United States. If you are a US resident and an eligible and registered user of VRS, you can use VRS while you are on international travel. If you want to make VRS calls, you must register with your VRS provider before you leave the United States for your trip. Pre-registration with your travel plans helps the FCC ensure that calls to the United States from abroad are legitimate VRS calls made by eligible United States residents only. Once you have pre-registered, you can use VRS to place a call to the United States from outside the country, for up to one year after leaving the country, as long as you notify your VRS provider prior to leaving the United States. In other words, if you want to make VRS calls, you must register with your VRS provider before you leave for your trip. This authorization is good for up to one year of being abroad from the date of your departure. During your trip, you will only be allowed to use VRS for telephone calls to or from the United States. VRS calls to or from any countries other than the United States will not be permitted until your return to the United States. If you have questions about use of VRS during international travel, email DRO@fcc.gov or call the FCC’s ASL Line at 844-432-2275. Visit us at www.fcc.gov/accessibility to learn more about the FCC’s accessibility work.

Hearing Loss Support Group

Northeast for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is providing an in-person support group for people with hearing loss on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month, from 4:00-5:30 pm, led by a licensed therapist who also experiences severe hearing loss. Please take a look at the flyer. Any questions, contact info@ndhhs.org or 603 224-1850

Image description: Flyer with dark green & sage background: Experiencing significant hearing Loss? In white text: HEARING LOSS (in yellow text) Support Group.

Group is Facilitated by Dr. Roger Ballou: Licensed Therapist experiencing severe hearing loss. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 4:00-5:30 PM, located at Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, 56 Old Suncook Road, Suite 6, Concord, NH 03301.  What is it all about? This is an in-person support group for adults who are experiencing significant hearing loss and would like space to discuss it. This group offers a safe, affirming, and supportive environment for the emotions and experiences this journey brings. Together we offer one another understanding, encouragement, and connection as we navigate this life shift. Come as you are, as often as you need. You are welcome here.

Questions you may be asking... 

1 Am I losing touch with the world around me?

2 How can I cope as my hearing declines?

3 What will happen to my relationships?

4 How can I manage the feeling of isolation?

Speech-to-text technology is available for access during the meetings.

There is no cost to participate in this support group. Due to space considerations, we ask that you register by phone or email. Contact information is provided as info@ndhhs.org or (603)224-1850.

An illustration of four individuals sitting on chairs, interacting with each other in conversation.The support group is Hosted at NDHHS Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, INC. At the bottom left: NDHHS logo. 

Diabetes Education in ASL

From Heather Aldridge: I’m currently working temporarily with a research team at the University of Utah. We’ve developed a 12-week educational program designed specifically for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to learn more about diabetes. 
The program covers key topics such as:

- How insulin works

- What A1C means

- Recognizing the signs of diabetes

- How to check blood sugar

- Understanding diabetes medications

- The difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia

- The entire program is presented in American Sign Language (ASL). 

And we’ve just finished building the website (it’s currently being reviewed by another group).

Right now, we’re looking for participants to review the program and provide feedback before it officially launches. Participants will receive $275 for their time and insights. The program starts this September.

If you know someone who might be interested, I’d love to connect with them!

Image description: Flyer background: In robin blue background w/black text: DIABETES EDUCATION IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE, below in baby blue background in black text: WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Deaf or Hard of hearing, Must be 18 years or older, Have Type 1 or 2 Diabetes; below in sky blue background w/black text: DOES IT COST MONEY? The program is free. You will get paid up to $275 for participating. Below in lighter blue background w/black text: CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION: email: ddct@utah.edu VP: 801-923-5110 Scan the QR code to fill out your contact information. On the bottom left is a QR code  and on the right is the logo of Deaf Diabetes Can Together: Education to Live Well

Spend your SNAP dollars on farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) retailers and have the amount of your purchase instantly added back to your EBT card! 

Image description: 

Image 1: Background with soft colors with fruits and vegetables, banner: orange with white text: Earn More SNAP Dollars with the Healthy Incentives Program! Below in dark blue text: Spend your SNAP dollars on farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at participating Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) retailers and have the amount of your purchase instantly added back to your EBT card! There are 4 icons: top left: 2 tents with produce displayed under them: Farmers Markets-look for participating farmers at regularly scheduled markets in your town or nearby, selling fresh fruits and vegetables, top right: fresh produce under a white and orange tent, Farm Stands: On-farm stores where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, right from the hands that picked them; bottom left: a truck with displays of fresh produce on it, Mobile Markets: Markets that bring farm-fresh produce right to your community; bottom right: a box full of fresh produce, CSA Farm Shares: Membership-based service that provides your family with fresh fruits and vegetables every week. At the bottom: Look at what you can earn each month! $40  

Image 2:  Background with soft colors, banner: orange with white text:  Find a HIP Location Near you. Below, in dark blue text: Visit www.mass.gov/hip for a directory, call Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or look for the HIP logo. How does HIP work?
Below are 4 steps with icons: 1) a white and orange tent labeled HIP RETAILERS with produce underneath: You are already enrolled!  Use your SNAP dollars to buy farm-fresh fruits and vegetables at a HIP retailer. 2) MASS DTA card: An equal amount of money, up to your monthly limit is instantly added back to your EBT card.  3) receipt: Your receipt will show the amount of additional SNAP dollars you've earned. 4) Cart icon-Spend your eawrned benefits anywhere that accepts SNAP. Bottom right: logos of dta, Massachusetts grown...and fresher! and SNAP. 

MCDHH is proud to announce the Sign Language Interpreter Mentorship Pilot Program will be returning Spring 2026. If you are not yet screened or certified, desire to increase your interpreting skills, and want to take MCDHH’s screening, this is the program for you!

This mentorship program is free of charge and offered to novice interpreters - Deaf, CODA, Spoken English/ASL interpreters from diverse backgrounds. This program will allow participants the opportunity to work with experienced mentors and gain a deeper understanding of interpreting.

Questions? Contact Holly Pearson, Workforce Development Coordinator, at MCDHHMentorship@mass.gov.

To learn more, view our vlog below!

Video credit: MCDHH

Transcript: 

The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing MCDHH Announcement MCDHH Sign Language Interpreter Mentorship Pilot Program Hello, I'm Holly Pearson, an Asian American person. I have short black hair, swept over to one side, and I'm wearing a black button up shirt and standing in front of a blue background. Hello! Guess what?! MCDHH is thrilled to announce that the Sign Language Interpreter Mentorship Pilot Program will be running again!! When? Spring 2026 Yay! If you are not yet screened or certified, and you want to increase your interpreting skills, knowledge, and competencies, and want to take the MCDHH’s screening, this is the program for you! The mentorship program is for novice interpreters - Deaf, CODA, Spoken English/ASL interpreters from diverse backgrounds. This program includes monthly Community of Practice (CoP) meetings, peer mentee meetings, hands on practice, and working with experienced mentors. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of interpreting and have opportunities to apply these skills. This is an opportunity to come together and learn from each other in a safe, supportive environment. Up to 12 mentees will be invited to participate in the program. If you can commit to up to 25 hours a month to enhance your knowledge and skills, apply!! The program is free! Upon successful completion of this program, mentees will receive a stipend, as well as a certificate of completion. Have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Contact information will pop up in a moment. Questions? Contact Holly Pearson the Workforce Development Coordinator at MCDHHMentorship@mass.gov If you're curious what the application involves, check out the next VLOG! Coming out soon! We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your interpreter journey. Thank you! Follow us on social media! Scan the QR code below or visit linktree.com/MassCDHH

We are a nonprofit organization run by and for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened individuals.  DEAF, Inc. inspires people to achieve personal and professional goals through accessible programs and services. We are thrilled you are here looking to join our team!

Image description: Blue background with white text: We Are Hiring! Advocate – All positions are hybrid. Below are two location listings: Top box in medium blue: Serves the Boston Metro region: Full time:  35 hours/week. Bottom box in navy blue: serves the Cape Cod & Islands Region:  Full time: 35 hours/week & Contractor: 20 hours/week.  For more information or to apply online, visit www.deafincma.org/jobs. Bottom right corner: white DEAF, Inc. logo.

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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