Recent Events

From the Board Chair, Sheryl Spera:

In honor of DEAF, Inc.’s Staff Appreciation day on August 11, 2025, Staff and some board members went to Top Golf. It was an entertaining and fun experience that combines high-tech driving range and games. We had lots of laughs, fun and a good workout.

Every year DEAF, Inc.’s Staff Appreciation day is the day the board extends sincere gratitude for the dedication and commitment the staff provides,  day in and day out. The entire board appreciates the efforts and unwavering commitment the work they do, it  does not go unnoticed. You are the drive and the mission of DEAF, Inc. Thank you for all you do and continue to do.

Image description: DEAF, Inc. staff and a couple of board members are outside standing together with one kneeling next to a service dog at the entrance of a tall dark grey and navy blue building and modern glass windows reflecting the blue sky with scattered clouds and pink and purple flowers along the sidewalk. Behind us is a section with 'TOPGOLF' on top and below is a logo with a golf tee and ball design.

On August 12, 2025, the Museum of Science, Boston, hosted "DisabilityTech: Innovation for an Accessible Future," an event showcasing how technology can create a more accessible world. This special evening, presented in partnership with Perkins School for the Blind, brought together a variety of innovators and leaders in the field.

Boston-based startup Tatum Robotics participated in the event, highlighting their groundbreaking device, the Tatum T1. This innovative robotic technology translates English into tactile fingerspelling, allowing DeafBlind individuals to independently access digital information like emails and news without needing a human interpreter.

During the expo, Tatum Robotics demonstrated the Tatum T1 as a powerful example of how technology can enhance accessibility and promote inclusion. The company is committed to collaborating with the DeafBlind community to ensure their device is both effective and comfortable. Additionally, DBCAN community member Elaine Ducharme, who serves on the company's Quality and Testing team, participated in a panel discussion, sharing her personal experiences as a DeafBlind individual.

Elaine Ducharme, a prominent member of the DBCAN (DeafBlind Community Access Network) community, serves on Tatum Robotics' Quality and Testing department. She recently participated in a panel discussion at the "DisabilityTech: Innovation for an Accessible Future" event, where she shared her personal experiences living in today's world as a DeafBlind person. Ducharme's perspective is invaluable to Tatum Robotics, as her direct feedback helps ensure the Tatum T1 device is not only effective but also user-friendly and truly meets the needs of the DeafBlind community it is designed to serve.

Additional members of the DBCAN community made their trip to the Museum of Science to meet with the event organizer and explore the booth after the panel discussion. 

Photo credit: Mike Last/Perkins School for the Blind

Photo credit: Mike Last/Perkins School for the Blind

Image description:  
Image 1: Three people are sitting in chairs in front of a huge, glowing globe of the Earth. A large screen behind them shows a presentation for "Tatum Robotics" featuring Elaine Ducharme and a robotic arm. Elaine Ducharme in the middle is talking and gesturing, while another guest speaker and the interpreter by Elaine’s side are listening.

Image 2:

A crowd of diverse people, including some with disabilities, are sitting in a dimly lit room, watching an event. In the middle of the shot, a woman with glasses and a cane is pointing and talking.

Image description: On the left, there is a slide with a blue background with white font: a list of different Mass Health Program types. On the right: Monique Bailey, a Brazilian woman with a dark tan complexion, dark brown eyes that convey warmth and depth and long shiny and wavy black hair.  Her video is on the right with her describing the listed program types.

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: Flyer with a royal blue background: top center: a white DEAF, Inc. logo, below in white text: Holiday Closure, then below in white text: Our offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025. Below: a white divider then on the bottom left in white text: We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2 at 9 am and on the right is an image of a grey wall with a white closed door indicating the office is closed. 

Image description: The flyer has a navy blue background with a white DEAF, Inc. logo at the middle top between two light blue lines. Under the logo, in bold, all caps white text: on the left: Apple Scavenger Hunt and on the right side a long half green circle with white text in all caps: COME AND HELP US FIND THE LOST APPLES! 

Below: in caps and white text: a symbol of a calendar, Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025, a symbol of a clock and 10 AM - 12 PM and a symbol of two dice, GAMES & LIGHT REFRESHMENTS

Below: a light blue line break, in all caps and white text: 227 Union St., Mezzanine 2, New Bedford, MA 02740.  Bottom half of the flyer: a big red apple with gray trace line leading to a big yellow X marked on the right.

Image description:  Flyer is in a dark blue background; top: border: white DEAF, Inc. logo, and five happy people celebrating with blue, pink, light blue, and green stripes in the background.  In white text: SEPTEMBER BOARD GAME SOCIAL (circled in medium blue); All welcome, join the fun!  On the left: colorful blocks and and dice on the right. In 4 green bubbles and white text: September 13, 2025 11 AM - 3 PM EST at DEAF, Inc. Office 35 Congress St., Suite 220 Salem, MA 01970. Enjoy a variety of fun games and bingo. If any questions, please call 617-505-4823 or email front desk: hello@deafincma.org. 

Come one, come all!  Let's take a flashback of the DEAF PRESIDENT NOW (DPN) in 1988 and discuss. Friday, September 19, 2025 from 10 AM to 1 PM at the New Bedford office. 

Image description: Flyer with a blue background. At the bottom is a photo of Tim Rarus, Bridgetta Bourne, Greg Hlibok, and Jerry Covell standing together with a poster painted "The Board Busters" behind them. In the top left corner is the Deaf Inc. logo. White text in caps: Join us for a special screening of Deaf President Now! Followed by the event details: Friday, Sept 19, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM. Movie starts at 10:30 AM. Pizza & salad provided. 227 Union St. Mezzanine 2, New Bedford, MA 02740. At the bottom, the text reads: Hosted by the Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened Committee.

Image description: Flyer is in a magenta background; top: border: white DEAF, Inc. logo, and five happy people celebrating with blue, pink, light blue, and green stripes in the background.  In white text: SEPTEMBER BOARD GAME SOCIAL (circled in green); All welcome, join the fun!  On the left: colorful blocks. In 4 green bubbles and white text: September 20, 2025, 11 AM - 3 PM EST, at DEAF, Inc. Office 227 Union St., Mezzanine 2, New Bedford, MA 02740 Enjoy a variety of fun games and bingo. If any questions, please call 617-505-4823 or email front desk: hello@deafincma.org. Colorful dice on the bottom right corner. 

Upcoming Events

CANCELLED

Healing Through Art
September 2, 8, 15 & 22

Southeast Cape Cod 55 + Deaf Social
Wednesday, September 3

Deaf Awareness Month Trivia Night!

Date: September 12 
Time: 6:30–9:30 PM 

Location: Worcester Senior Center128 Providence St. Worcester, MA 

Join us for a fun night of trivia, laughter, and community! FREE PIZZA! Bring your own drinks FREE registration Scan the QR code on the flyer Register Here  Hosted by Pathways for Change – Deaf Survivors Program and Our Deaf Survivors Center.Let the games begin!

Image description: The flyer is colorful and playful, with a mix of orange, blue, cream, and teal. The background consists of a network of dots and lines, symbolizing connection. 

Header in orange with black text: DEAF AWARENESS MONTH TRIVIA NIGHT

Main illustration: In the center is a giant glowing light bulb (symbol of trivia/ideas). On the left is a person wearing an orange shirt and teal pants, smiling with hands clasped. On the right is another person in teal with orange pants, standing confidently. A speech bubble above the person on the left: LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Below, centered in black text: 

September 12 | 6:30–9:30 PM
Worcester Senior Center
128 Providence St, Worcester, MA

Below in bold uppercase blue text:
FREE PIZZA! BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS. FREE REGISTRATION!

Bottom Section: On the left: Logo of Pathways for Change Deaf Survivors Program. 
Center: A black and white QR code with the text underneath: Register Here.  On the right: Logo of Our Deaf Survivors Center. 

ASL MONTHLY HOLYOKE DEAF CLUB

Saturday, September 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

55+ Gangs 

Deaf Social Gathering

Braintree

Wednesday, September 17

Massachusetts State Association of the Deaf, Inc. (MSAD) Virtual State Conference 2025 - Saturday, September 20, 2025.10:00 am - 5:00 pm Direct Zoom registration link:  Registration Link

One of our own former board members, Rachel Kolb will be having a book tour on her book, "Articulate". Check it out!  Meet Rachel Kolb on Tour

Image description: ​Banner with rippling pink-and-purple swirls in the background. Header reads: “Meet Rachel Kolb on tour.” Cover of my book ARTICULATE is on the side, as well as a headshot of me grinning in a red turtleneck.

Events listed are:

9/18: Albuquerque, NM (Bookworks, w/ Elise Nye, 6pm)

9/22: Cambridge, MA (Harvard Bookstore, w/ Rachel Berman-Kobylarz, 7pm)

9/23: Washington, DC (Politics & Prose - Union Market, w/ Kristen Harmon, 7pm)

10/1: Palo Alto, CA (Books, Inc., w/ Jennifer Johnson, 7pm)

10/2: Berkeley, CA (Mrs. Dalloway’s, w/ Anne Finger, 7pm)

10/3: Santa Rosa, CA (Copperfield’s Books, w/ RM Horrell, 7pm)

11/13: virtual event (NYU’s Center for Disability Studies, w/ Rebecca Sanchez, 7pm)

Details and RSVP at Meet Rachel Kolb on Tour, ASL interpreters will be available at all events for both deaf and hearing attendees.

This event will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 11 AM to 1 PM at the Great Hall in the Massachusetts State House.  Attendees will have the opportunity to meet state legislators and connect with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community of Massachusetts in celebration of Deaf Awareness Month! 

This event will also include an awards ceremony presented by the MCDHH Statewide Advisory Council, guest speaker and more! 

No registration required. 

ASL interpreters and CART services will be provided during this event.  For any questions or additional accommodations, please email heather.l.daley@mass.gov 

Image description: Top section: Blue box with yellow & white text overlaying an image of the Massachusetts State House featuring its iconic golden dome under a clear blue sky: Save the Date: September 23, 2025 | 11 AM - 1 PM.  Below on the left with blue text: light purple background:  This September, in celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, MCDHH invites you to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Constituents Day, presented by the MCDHH Statewide Advisory Council (SAC). Attendees will have the opportunity to meet state legislators, celebrate Deaf culture and language, and connect with the Deaf and hard of hearing community of Massachusetts. Below in bold blue text: Accommodations: ASL Interpreters and CART services will be provided during this event.  If you need any additional accommodations, contact Heather Daley at heather.l.daley@mass.gov

​On the right in a yellow box with blue text: Event Information: Massachusetts State House, The Great Hall, 24 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02133; Tuesday, September 23, 11 AM - 1 PM

Highlights: MCDHH Statewide Advisory Council Awards Ceremony, Guest Speaker (to be announced) 

Bottom left: Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) logo.

TLC Homecoming
Saturday, October 4 | 9 AM - 4 PM

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. 

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

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 profided 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: Upper left corner banner in off-white w/black text: MSAD www.massdeaf.org Decorative frame around the text with a gold and black color scheme with the text in gold: “hold the date” on the top and bottom of the image. Text on the inside: In gold: 50 years then below in black text:  November 1, 2025 Brunch ~ 11am to 3pm at the Courtyard Marriott, Marlborough, Mass.

DEAFinitely's Heart Truth: 
SAVE THE DATE!!
Saturday, November 1 | 7:00 pm

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.

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 three location listings: Left box in navy blue: serves the Cape Cod & Islands region: Contractor: 20 hours/week  and Full time: 35 hours/week; right box in medium blue: serves the Southeast region: Contractor: 20 hours/week and 2nd box below: Serves the Boston Metro region: Full time:  35 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