We’re excited to begin sharing a quarterly newsletter with our community. Every three months, you can expect updates from our office, important resources, and opportunities to stay connected with the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) community across Michigan.
We’re excited to welcome a new team member and highlight key roles within our office:
Kenya Lowe, Director
Kenya oversees the Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, leading statewide efforts to advance communication access, equity, and inclusion while guiding the division’s programs and initiatives.
Alayna Lail, Communication Access Specialist
Alayna works directly with clients to provide support, guide individuals through the complaint process, and educate communities about their rights under effective communication laws.
Emma Heisey, DDBHH Liaison (joined February 17, 2026)
Emma focuses on strengthening connections between MDCR and the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community. Her role centers on outreach, relationship-building, and ensuring community voices are heard and represented.
(Alt text: Three smiling women stand together in front of a wooden bookshelf filled with books and plants. A white woman (Alayna Lail) wearing glasses and a black cardigan stands on the left, a Black woman (Kenya Lowe) in a navy dress stands in the center, and a white woman (Emma Heisey) wearing a white shirt and olive skirt stands on the right.)
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A Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) is a Deaf or Hard of Hearing professional who has specialized training and national certification in interpreting. CDIs may work alongside hearing interpreters or independently to provide clear, culturally and linguistically appropriate communication—especially in complex settings such as medical, legal, educational, and community environments.
Becoming a CDI typically involves:
- Strong fluency in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Deep understanding of Deaf culture and communication access
- Interpreter education and professional preparation
- Certification through the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)
Why this matters
Michigan is currently facing a shortage of Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs), even as demand for accessible and linguistically appropriate communication continues to grow within Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.
Expanding access to CDI certification represents a meaningful opportunity to address this gap—strengthening communication access across the state while also supporting Deaf individuals in pursuing a respected and impactful career path.
Interested in learning more?
Visit the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) certification page:
https://rid.org/certification/available-certifications/
(Alt text: Diagram showing communication flow between a Deaf individual, CDI, interpreter, and hearing individual with arrows indicating two-way interaction.)
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We’re excited to highlight summer opportunities for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing youth and families across Michigan. These camps offer spaces to connect, build community, learn new skills, and create lasting memories.
Youth Camps
Camp Chris Williams
August 2–8, 2026 | Greenville, MI
A traditional residential camp for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind youth ages 11–17.
DHH Summer Camp (MDE-LIO / Camp T)
June 12–14, 2026 | Greenville, MI
Designed for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students across Michigan.
Kids Kamp 2026 (Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services)
August 3–7, 2026 | Grand Rapids, MI
For children ages 3–12.
CSD Free Deaf Camp
June 21–23, 2026
A free camp experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth.
CSD KODA Camp
June 14–19, 2026
A free summer camp designed specifically for Kids of Deaf Adults (KODA).
Bear Lake Camp (DHH Camp Program)
A summer camp experience designed specifically for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth, offering connection, recreation, and leadership development in an accessible camp environment.
Family & Adult Programs
Holley Institute Family Weeks
June 28–July 23, 2026 | Brooklyn, MI
Specialized summer weeks for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing families and adults.
Jesus’ Deaf CREW (Catholic Enrichment Week)
A faith-based enrichment program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults.
Camp T Alumni Picnic
August 29, 2026
A one-day event for former campers age 18+.
Community Events
Helen Keller Birthday Celebration (Michigan Deaf Association)
June 27, 2026 | Flint, MI
WMAD Car Wash (Michigan Deaf Night Out Network)
July 26, 2026 | Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
Annual Cookout (Detroit Association of the Deaf)
August 15, 2026 | Heritage Park at Farmington Hills
American Deaf Cornhole
September 16-19, 2026 | Wixom, MI
A fun community event supporting Deaf community connection and advocacy efforts across Michigan.
We encourage you to follow our Facebook Page for ongoing updates and newly added events throughout the summer.
Our office has been actively engaged in advocacy, outreach, and systems change across Michigan.
Key highlights:
- Conducted 13 trainings and completed 26 outreach events
- Strengthened partnerships with the Michigan Department of Education and Michigan School for the Deaf
- Provided "Know Your Rights" and self-advocacy training to the DDBHH students
- Continued addressing the statewide interpreter shortage
- Increased outreach to schools to promote interpreter career pathways
- Advocated against over-reliance on Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) in schools and hospitals
- Provided cultural competency training to Michigan Rehabilitation Services (LEO)
- Provided education and technical assistance to improve hospital communication access
- Provided training and technical assistance to local circuit and district courts
Client support (Jan–May):
- 31 clients served
- 16 resolved without formal complaint
- 7 formal complaints filed with Michigan Department of Civil Rights
- 3 referred to partner agencies
- 5 scheduled to meet with DODDBHH
Ongoing priorities:
- Addressing hospital policies requiring VRI waivers
- Partnering with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to improve compliance
- Increasing engagement with court systems following recent conference presentations
- Increasing awareness of Certified Deaf Interpreters
- Partnering with stakeholders to advocate for DDBHH students right to communication access in schools
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Save the Date:
DODDBHH Advisory Council Meeting
Date: October 3, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: East Lansing area (details coming soon)
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DODDBHH and The Holley Institute present: "Are You IEP Ready?"
Date: August 22, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Redford District Library (details coming soon)
We also have more community events in development through our partnerships—stay tuned on our Facebook Page for announcements.
To learn more about council members, visit: DODDBHH Advisory Council
Each newsletter, we highlight individuals, businesses, achievements, and milestones that strengthen Michigan’s DDBHH community. From DDBHH-owned businesses and professional accomplishments to advocacy efforts, student success stories, and community leadership, this space celebrates the people and progress shaping access, equity, and opportunity across our state.
Know someone or something that deserves recognition?
Submit your nomination here: DDBHH Community Recognitions
If you want to submit ASL video of your nomination: send to DODDBHH@michigan.gov
We welcome nominations for:
- DDBHH-owned businesses
- Professional or academic achievements
- Community leadership and advocacy
- Student accomplishments
- Events or programs making a positive impact in Michigan’s DDBHH community
Your input matters. Please click on the Feedback Form to share feedback about our services, outreach, community needs, and newsletter.
If you’ve experienced barriers to effective communication, you have the right to file a complaint.
Online: Submit your complaint through the Civil Rights Public Portal.
By Phone: Call the MDCR intake line at 1-800-482-3604.
Video Phone: Contact Alayna Lail at 313-437-7035.
By Email: Send details or documentation to LailA@michigan.gov
For more information about the civil rights investigation process, visit the MDCR website.
For access to interpreter-related complaints, visit the LARA website.
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