The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing supports and stands with the victims and survivors of the worst-ever mass shooting affecting the deaf community. Four deaf men are among the 18 dead, and two deaf people are among the 13 survivors of the Wednesday, Oct. 25 shooting in Lewiston, Maine.
“ODHH grieves with and supports the deaf community in Maine,” says Earnest Covington, III, director. “The tragedy impacts all of us throughout the country; many of us know people that are affected by the shooting.” We recognize and honor Joshua Seal, 36, the director of interpreting services for the Pine Tree Society, a nonprofit that supports Maine residents with disabilities; Bryan MacFarlane, 41, who had only recently moved back to Maine over the summer; Stephen Vozzella, 45, who had been married only for a year; and William Brackett, 48, whose family described him as “a friend to many especially in the Deaf community he loved so much,” according to the LA Times.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org; services are available for people who are deaf and hard of hearing at https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/for-deaf-hard-of-hearing/. You can chat with a Lifeline counselor 24/7 by videophone, online chat, text or relay. The links are below.
ODHH advocates for all Washingtonians to receive accessible alerts, information and education to live with dignity and independence. We are partnering with legislators, stakeholders and our communities to improve access to life-saving information, and bridging the gap in communications before, during and after community emergencies. The Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning and its stakeholders join with ODHH and national partners to provide resources in this tragic event, to help the community move forward and heal.
ODHH and CIEP are hosting a community forum on Nov. 14 from 12:30-2 PM located at the Washington Advocates of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 301 SE Hearthwood Blvd Vancouver, WA 98684 to discuss ways to emergencies and ensure access to emergency communications in ASL. Information below.
Emergency Preparedness Presentation - ODHH and WADHH
LOCATION: Washington Advocates of Deaf and Hard of Hearing 301 SE Hearthwood Blvd Vancouver, WA 98684
DATE/TIME: November 14 from 12:30 - 2:00 pm
CONTACT: Elizabeth Luttrell
EMAIL: elizabeth.luttrell@dshs.wa.gov