Celebrate, Connect & Advocate
Welcome to the September–November edition of the DODDBHH quarterly newsletter!
As we head into the fall season, we're excited to share updates from the past few months, highlight important resources and information, and look ahead to upcoming events and opportunities to connect with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities across Michigan.
This issue features a special spotlight on Deaf Awareness Month in September. Deaf Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate Deaf people, Deaf culture, American Sign Language, Deaf history, and the many contributions of the Deaf community. It is also a time to promote greater understanding of communication access, accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity for Deaf people.
In this issue, you'll find our Deaf Awareness Month Spotlight, a look at DODDBHH's work from June through August, accessible voting information, upcoming events for September through November, and ways to stay connected with DODDBHH.
Spotlight: Deaf Awareness Month
September is Deaf Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of the Deaf community while increasing understanding of Deaf experiences, language, culture, and identity.
It is also a time to recognize the importance of communication access and advocate for a world where Deaf people can fully participate in every area of life.
What Is Deaf Awareness Month?
Deaf Awareness Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the Deaf community and the many contributions Deaf people have made throughout history.
The Deaf community is diverse, with people having different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and ways of connecting with Deaf culture. For many Deaf people, American Sign Language is an important part of their language, culture, and identity.
Deaf Awareness Month provides an opportunity to learn about Deaf history and culture, celebrate Deaf achievements, and promote greater understanding of the Deaf community.
Celebrating Deaf Culture
Deaf culture is a rich and vibrant culture centered around shared language, experiences, values, traditions, and community.
ASL plays an important role in Deaf culture. Deaf communities have created their own traditions, organizations, schools, events, art, literature, and spaces where Deaf people can connect and thrive.
Deaf culture is not defined by hearing loss. It is shaped by language, community, shared experiences, and identity.
This month, we celebrate the strength, creativity, resilience, leadership, and contributions of Deaf people in Michigan and around the world.
Why Deaf Awareness Matters
Deaf awareness is about more than learning a few signs or knowing that Deaf people use ASL.
It is about understanding Deaf experiences and recognizing the barriers Deaf people may encounter when communication and information are not accessible.
Access to qualified interpreters, captions, ASL, visual information, and other communication supports can make a significant difference in a Deaf person's ability to participate fully in education, employment, healthcare, government, community activities, and everyday life.
Communication access is a civil right and an important part of creating an equitable and inclusive society.
Deaf Awareness Month reminds us that accessibility should be considered from the beginning—not added as an afterthought.
Did You Know?
ASL is a Language!
American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete and natural language with its own grammar, syntax, and linguistic structure.
ASL is not simply English expressed through hand signs. It is a distinct language with its own rules and structure.
ASL has also influenced Deaf communities and Deaf culture throughout the United States and parts of Canada.
Ways to Celebrate Deaf Awareness Month
Learn About Deaf History
Explore important events, people, movements, organizations, and achievements that have shaped Deaf history.
Learn Some ASL
Learning ASL can be a meaningful way to connect with Deaf people and learn more about the language. Remember that learning a language takes time—approach ASL with respect and curiosity.
Learn About Deaf Culture
Explore Deaf culture through Deaf-led organizations, books, films, art, storytelling, and other resources created by Deaf people.
Support Deaf-Owned Businesses and Deaf Creators
Seek out and support Deaf-owned businesses, artists, authors, creators, educators, and other Deaf professionals.
Follow Deaf Voices
Follow Deaf advocates, leaders, educators, creators, and organizations. Learning directly from Deaf people is one of the best ways to build understanding.
Advocate for Communication Access
Think about whether your workplace, school, community organization, or event provides meaningful communication access for Deaf people.
Ask questions, identify barriers, and advocate for accessible communication.
Celebrate Deaf Voices
This Deaf Awareness Month, we invite you to learn from and celebrate the Deaf community.
Learn the history. Celebrate the culture. Respect the language. Listen to Deaf voices. Advocate for access.
(Image alt text: Four hands signing “DEAF” in ASL above the words “Awareness Month.” Graphic by Lola Afolabi.)
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DODDBHH Updates
June–August 2026
Over the past three months, DODDBHH has continued working across Michigan to connect with communities, provide education and outreach, share resources, and promote the rights of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Here are some highlights from June through August.
Trainings & Presentations
DODDBHH continued providing trainings and presentations to organizations, agencies, schools, and community partners.
These presentations help increase understanding of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities and highlight the importance of communication access, accommodations, accessibility, and civil rights.
June–August Highlights:
- Trained the 13th Circuit Court in Traverse City
- Trained State ADA Coordinators (ADAC)
- Presented to the Southeast Michigan Court Administrators Association (SEMCAA)
- Trained staff at the American Red Cross of Michigan
- Provided a Know Your Rights training at Detroit Public Schools’ summer program
We appreciate the organizations and community partners who invited DODDBHH to share information and have conversations about creating more accessible and inclusive environments.
(Image alt text: DDBHH Liaison Emma Heisey stands next to the PowerPoint presentation screen with her right arm raised while interacting with the audience during an all-staff training with the American Red Cross.)
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Community Outreach
Connecting directly with the community remains an important part of DODDBHH's work.
From June through August, our team participated in outreach activities, meetings, events, and conversations with community members and partners across Michigan.
These connections help us better understand community needs, share information and resources, and identify opportunities for continued collaboration.
Community Outreach Highlights:
- Participated in the Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ Americans with Disabilities Act Commemoration
- Hosted a booth and participated in a panel discussion at the Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department (CRIO) Disability Pride
- Hosted a booth at the Senior Town Hall and Resource Fair in Ann Arbor
- Collaborated with Holley Family Village to host “ARE You IEP Ready?” presented by Megan Ward
(Image alt text: DODDBHH booth set up alongside other booths at the fair, with the audience facing the front of the room during State Representative Morgan Freeman’s presentation.)
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 (Image alt text: Seven panelists and the host smile at the camera after a panel discussion about mental health in the disability community. From left to right: Dessa Cosma, Executive Director of Detroit Disability Power; Christopher Samp, Director of Disability Affairs and host of the panel; DDBHH Liaison Emma Heisey, Michigan Department of Civil Rights; Gary Horton, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Tonya Nelson-Williams, Detroit Public Schools Community District; Darlene Dorsette, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Supervisor, Detroit Public Schools Community District; and Madison Reid, Miss Wheelchair Michigan 2026.)
Building Connections Across Michigan
DODDBHH continues to build relationships with organizations, agencies, service providers, advocates, and community members across Michigan.
Through these partnerships, we are working together to increase awareness, improve access, and strengthen resources available to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Michiganders.
Current and ongoing collaborations include partnerships with county law enforcement agencies, the DDBHH Mental Health & Access Initiative, events supporting Deaf parents and families, a hospitality and lodging accessibility project with the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association, and accessibility and civil rights trainings for courts across Michigan in partnership with Michigan’s State Court Administrative Office (SCAO).
"This past July, I had the opportunity to attend the NAD conference at San Franciso, California. It was a valuable experience both personally and professionally. Being surrounded by Deaf professionals, advocates, community leaders, and allies created an environment where communication access and deaf experiences were at the center rather than an afterthought. I attended to multiple workshops and discussions that addressed issues affecting Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities. The most meaningful part of the conference was connecting with people from different states and learning what is happening in their communities. It was helpful to exchange ideas, different approaches that may benefit people here in Michigan. I am grateful I was able to bring back new fresh ideas and new knowledge on current and future projects here in Michigan."
-Alayna Lail, Communication Access Specialist
(Image alt text: Eight NAD attendees from Michigan smile at the camera, proudly representing their state. From left to right: Dylan Secord; Susan Lundy; Nicole Faino; Kyah Kitchen; Christopher Samp; Michaela Jitaru; Alayna Lail; and Emma Heisey. Not pictured: Stevie Naeyaert.)
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Your Vote. Your Rights. Your Voice.
As we look ahead to upcoming elections, it is important for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing voters to know their rights and understand the resources available to them.
Every voter deserves meaningful access to the voting process.
Before You Vote
Take time to:
- Check your voter registration status.
- Review important election dates and deadlines.
- Learn about your voting options.
- Find your polling location.
- Review available voting resources.
- Contact your local clerk if you have questions or need assistance.
Communication Access Matters
Voters may have different communication and accessibility needs.
If you need an accommodation to access voting information or participate in the voting process, plan ahead and communicate your needs with the appropriate election official or local clerk.
If you experience an accessibility barrier while voting, you can ask for assistance and report concerns to the appropriate election officials.
Contact: Ombudsperson for Accessible Elections
MDOS-ADAVoting@michigan.gov
517-335-2730
Know Your Rights. Know Your Options. Make Your Voice Heard.
For official Michigan voting information:
www.Michigan.gov/VOTE
September–November 2026
Looking ahead, DODDBHH has several opportunities to connect with community members, partners, and advocates throughout the fall.
September
American Deaf Cornhole
September 16-19, 2026
Time varies
TOCA Soccer and Sports Center Wixom
More information, click here for the website link.
October
DODDBHH Advisory Council Meeting
Saturday, October 3, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
MSUFCU Headquarters Community Room 2
East Lansing, Michigan
The DODDBHH Advisory Council brings community perspectives to the Division and helps inform conversations and advocacy related to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Michiganders.
For accommodations, contact Emma Heisey at HeiseyE1@michigan.gov by September 15
DHH Transition Expo
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.
Horatio S. Earle Learning Center
Registration: Click here to register
For accommodations: Contact mde-rdhhevents@michigan.gov
November
Michigan Coalition for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind People's Health Fair
November 7, 2026
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Madonna University
ASL interpreters, CART and DeafBlind SSPs are provided.
Resource Spotlight
Each quarterly newsletter, we'll highlight a resource, organization, program, or service that may be helpful to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Michiganders.
SignHello
What is it?
SignHello is an educational resource created by two Deaf Michiganders that teaches Deaf culture, communication, and how to navigate real-life situations involving Deaf people. Its short, simple lessons are designed by Deaf founders and focus on building understanding, awareness, and respectful communication.
How can it help?
SignHello helps people better understand Deaf culture and feel more confident communicating with Deaf people. The lessons provide practical guidance for real-life interactions and promote more respectful and inclusive communication.
Who may benefit?
Anyone who wants to better understand and communicate with Deaf people may benefit from SignHello, including family members, friends, coworkers, educators, students, businesses, customer-service workers, and community members.
Learn More:
SignHello.com
Follow Us!
Want to stay up to date between newsletters?
Follow DODDBHH on social media for updates, resources, upcoming events, community information, and more.
We'll continue sharing information throughout the fall—including Deaf Awareness Month content, voting resources, upcoming events, trainings, and other important updates.
Follow. Share. Connect.
Facebook: Click here
Youtube: Click here
Other: MDCR Instagram
As we celebrate Deaf Awareness Month and look toward the fall, we are reminded of the importance of community, connection, accessibility, and advocacy.
Thank you to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals, families, advocates, organizations, partners, and allies who continue to contribute to stronger and more accessible communities across Michigan.
Whether you're learning something new, attending a community event, sharing resources, or advocating for accessibility, every action can help make a difference.
Let's continue to:
Celebrate. Connect. Advocate.
We look forward to connecting with you throughout the fall!
Michigan Department of Civil Rights
Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing (DODDBHH)
Website: Click here
Email: DODDBHH@michigan.gov
VP: 313-437-7035
Need an accommodation or have questions about accessing our programs, services, or events?
Please contact DODDBHH. We are committed to supporting communication access and accessibility for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals.
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