ASDAA Update News


August 18, 2026
 



Sandra McLennon '74,

ASDAA President



Email address: asdaapresident1914@gmail.com



ASDAA Newsletter from the President Editor:


Sandra returned to ASD for the ASDAA Cookout at the Visual Communication Center (VCC) on August 8 with Liza Alers, Lori Hylinski, Alice Bianco, and Jeanne Magnon. The theme was "Back to the 80s". We had a great time with different games and food.


Sandra is thrilled to share the American School for the Deaf (ASD)'s interactive Virtual Tours with anyone. She believes that ASD developed the first cool 360-degree virtual tours. If you plan to visit the ASD campus, please email Alexandra Daly at alexandra.daly@asd-1817.org to make an ASD tour appointment in advance. The virtual tours also give you an idea of what the tour looks like before visiting it.


Please check the ASD/ASDAA Homecoming flyer.


ASD Homecoming events will happen on October 2-4. Feel free to email Alexandra at asdaaoutreach@gmail.com.


You will also see a list of memorials for ASD Alumni and ASD staff. Please see Alexandra's information below for more details. She is also responsible for the Isola Bella trip on Friday and the Class Reunions Parade on Saturday (for classes of 1956 (70th anniversary), 1961 (65th anniversary), 1966 (60th anniversary), 1971(55th anniversary), 1976 (50th anniversary), 1981 (45th anniversary), 1986 (40th anniversary), 1991 (35th anniversary), 1996 (30th anniversary), 2001 (25th anniversary), 2006 (20th anniversary), 2011(15th anniversary), 2016 (10th anniversary), 2021(5th anniversary), and 2026).


Enjoy some photos, the ASD/ASDAA HC flyer, and flyers from CAD below.


Sandra is looking forward to seeing you on ASD campus (a weekend) and at Isola Bella (Friday only)




Go Tigers,

Sandra

The Photos of the "Back to the 80s"

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

ASD/ASDAA Homecoming Flyer

The ASD's Interactive Virtual Tours

The ASD Virtual Tour offers a 360-degree view, starting at the Gallaudet Clerc Educational Center. You will see a few arrows, ASL, captions, and others. Enjoy watching it.

https://app.seekbeak.com/v/0Vq2BZAaqXY

The ASD Virtual Tour offers a 360-degree view; see it at the Brewster Gymnasium. You will see an arrow, ASL, and captions. Enjoy watching it.
https://app.seekbeak.com/v/El18wo7EqOB

The ASD Virtual Tour offers a 360-degree view, watch the Ward Gymnaisum area. You will see an arrow, ASL, and captions. Enjoy watching it.
https://app.seekbeak.com/v/v8jkBmErz49

The ASD Virtual Tour offers a 360-degree view of the ASD Museum/Cogswell Heritage House (CHH) area. See the four different areas. You will see a few arrows, ASL, captions, and others. Enjoy watching it.
https://app.seekbeak.com/v/NkjxwGbMzlQ

Deaf Awareness Day Flyer

 Mystic Aquarium and the American School for the Deaf are proud to partner for a special day celebrating the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and DeafBlind communities on Sunday, September 13th. 


Guests of all ages are invited to explore the Aquarium through accessible experiences, ASL interpretation, and interactive opportunities designed to make discovery even more meaningful.


Featured accessible experiences include:


  • Walking ASL Classes, ASL Story Time
  • The first-ever California Sea Lion Show with live ASL and video interpretation
  • A live interactive feed of Belugas Count with researchers in Alaska
  • ASD Student Ambassadors alongside Mystic Aquarium docents
  • Community resources from organizations serving the Deaf, DeafBlind and hard-of-hearing communities
  • The unveiling of exhibits with ASL accessibility through QR codes

ASL interpreters will be provided by the American School for the Deaf. Event activities included with Aquarium general admission. 


We hope to see you there! 


To buy a ticket, here's the link:  https://www.mysticaquarium.org/whats-new/events/deaf-awareness-day/

FLYER DESCRIPTION:


(white background with image of family walking with dog at top and CAN logo on left side. Texts are in black and blue except white text inside the blue block)


Join our 12th Annual Fundraiser!

DEAFBLIND WALK-A-THON


Rain or Shine


WHEN:   Saturday, September 19, 2026

TIME:    9 AM to 12 PM

WHERE: Elizabeth Park Conservancy

         1561 Asylum Avenue

         West Hartford, CT 06117


Visit CAN's booth in the balloon area!

  • Dog Friendly
  • Cash Prizes
  • Picnic, snacks & Refreshments
  • Family Friendly
  • Free Parking


Enjoy a beautiful flat walk through gardens and trails.


SPECIAL FEATURES & CHALLENGE WALK:

  • Challenge Walk (10 am): 5 loop laps! Cash prizes for the first three winners
  • Full Autonomy Support: CoNavigators (SSP/CNs) will support DeafBlind walkers
  • Community Fun: Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing allies are all welcome for social walks


SUPPORTING THE CAUSE: Proceeds support Communication Advocacy Network (CAN), a 501(c)(3) organization providing essential services for the DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Blind Community.


DONATION FORM (bottom portion to cut-off for mailing the donation to CAN at 151 New Park Avenue, Suite 101 - Box 83, Hartford CT 06106) 


OR you can donate via Zelle - treasurer@cancorp.org


Thank you for your support!


QUESTIONS? Contact us at chembree@cancorp.org or VP 860-568-9488.


All donations are tax-deductible!

FLYER DESCRIPTION:

(White background with DBAC Inc. Logo on the right-left corner, and the texts are in color of black and mustard yellow)


DEAFBLIND WORKSHOP


WHEN:   Saturday, September 26, 2026

TIME:    9:00 AM- 3:00 PM

WHERE: American School for the Deaf

         Visual Communication Center (VCC)

         139 North Main Street

         West Hartford, CT 06107


Everyone is welcome! Join us for a day of learning, connection, and hands-on information about the DeafBlind community, access, and communication.


TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

  • How to work with a DeafBlind person
  • What is an SSP? And what they can do & can't do
  • The difference between an SSP and a CN
  • Pro-Tactile ASL

DEAFBLIND FRIENDLY!

  • Tactile communication welcomed
  • Low vision & low light awareness
  • Quiet spaces available
  • All access and inclusion focused

CEU's for interpreters offered!

More Details will be forthcoming.


LEARN  *  CONNECT  *  EMPOWER

Building understanding. 

Creating access. 

Strengthening community.

ASDAA Outreach Director


Alexandra G. McGee '73



ASDAA Director of Community Outreach

Email address: asdaaoutreach@gmail.com


In Memoriam of the ASD Alumni and ASD Staff



Edward C. White, Jr.- 1975- 08/13/26

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/edward-white-obituary?id=62197668








In Memoriam- Share Updates with US


ASDAA and ASD would like to honor and remember the lives of the ASD Alumni and ASD staff in our community. If you have any updates, corrections, or recent obituaries to share, please help us keep our records (Class Year for ASD alums and Employee Years for ASD staff) accurate for the ASD book.


Your help would make this a meaningful accomplishment. Thank you so much for your help and support.


Forward information or obituary links to: asdaaoutreach@gmail.com and toula.ramey@asd-1817.org.

ASD Donation

Advice to ASD Alumni and the ASD Community: Please take a moment to watch this informative YouTube video about ASD's Planned Giving Program. The video provides helpful information and is well worth your time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsaKc0oke3c. Also, please check ASD's website for more details: https://asd.mygiftlegacy.org/


Thank you for your interest and support, as always.

American School for the Deaf Alumni Association | 139 North Main Street | West Hartford, CT 06107 US

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