Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - MCDHH

For #DeafAwarenessMonth and #InternationalWeekOfTheDeaf, we presented "On The Road With MCDHH," a film which shows #MCDHH services from a first-day staff member perspective. Thank you to our Deaf and hard of hearing colleagues and our communities, for whom we are endlessly grateful. You may now view our new film below! #OnTheRoadWithMCDHH WATCH: https://lnkd.in/eWNqY8TQ

MCDHH is proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 Sign Language Interpreter Mentorship Pilot Program. This mentorship program is free, and novice interpreters including Deaf, CODA, Spoken English/ASL interpreters from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The program will allow participants the opportunity to work with experienced mentors and gain a deeper understanding of interpreting. Start your application today!: https://lnkd.in/dQ-vbhHE To learn more about our program and application process, view the vlog below! https://lnkd.in/dtb_KA3t

MCDHH is proud to announce the Sign Language Interpreter Mentorship Pilot Program will be returning Spring 2025. 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! Vlog: https://lnkd.in/eBmxpzfi

Last week, #MCDHH’s A&F team and Commissioner Sotonwa gathered for a special lunch in the office to celebrate Agency Chief Procurement Officer and Procurement & Contracting Manager Jane Sokol Shulman’s remarkable 30 years of service at MCDHH. During the event, Jane was presented with a Governor's citation in recognition of her dedication and contributions over the years. It was a heartfelt occasion, honoring her commitment and the positive impact she has made within our agency. Congratulations, Jane!

#MCDHH’s CATTS team had an eventful last week! MCDHH staff Jonathan and Zoe, presented at the Lynnfield Police Academy training class, the Mass Chiefs of Police Training to 400 Chiefs of Police, and the Department of Fire Services “Fire Safety and Life” conference, where Stacy also tabled for MCDHH. Our presenters discussed the different forms of communication access and the importance of individualized approaches depending on the needs of the individual being interacted with, the different resources for communication, services and supports available in our communities, and the importance of having policies and procedures in place. MCDHH was able to distribute over a thousand visor cards and emergency services cards. We are grateful that our trainings are on track to reach over 24,000 police officers and first responders statewide! Thank you for having us: #LynnfieldPoliceAcademy, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services

Our team at #MCDHH wishes you a happy #DeafAwarenessMonth this September. This month, we decided to look back and explore some Massachusetts history - specifically, Martha’s Vineyard’s rich past as a hub where a large population of Deaf people lived and thrived, from the 1600s-1900s. Enjoy our short video below. #MarthasVineyard #DeafHistory #DidYouKnow

MCDHH was honored to attend the Veterans' Stand Down event in Haverhill, invited by SAC member and veteran Zinma Camelio. Our team, represented by Peggy Lee and Kellynette Gomez, connected with veterans at the MCDHH booth, sharing resources and support for those who are Deaf and hard of hearing. #VeteransStandDown #MCDHH #CommunityEngagement

Our team at #MCDHH wishes you and yours a very happy #LatineHeritageMonth. We are grateful for the people, cultures, and the traditions of our colleagues and neighbors from Latine backgrounds.

Today at 5:30 PM (EST), #MCDHH will be hosting its #StatewideAdvisoryCouncil Meeting on Zoom. Please register in advance for this meeting via the link below! Register here: https://lnkd.in/eGbyKHsd Agenda: https://lnkd.in/e_RDNwQr

Shared on behalf of our community partner: Our friends at Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) are hosting Boston’s Walk4Hearing event on Sunday, October 6. The event is held annually to raise awareness for hearing loss and funds for education, advocacy, and support. To register or donate, visit the flyer’s QR code or the link below: https://lnkd.in/eU7sC_cv