Now through 2028, the DeafYES! team at UMass Chan Medical School is recruiting Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals across the U.S. for a research study on trauma and addiction!
We are seeking people who have experienced trauma-related stress and alcohol use in the past month. Participants may receive 12 virtual counseling sessions at no cost, learn skills to manage trauma and addiction, and earn up to $500 for completing five online surveys.
Who can join?
Deaf, DeafBlind or Hard of Hearing
Can communicate in ASL
18 years and older
Alcohol use in the past month
Trauma-related stress in the past month
Watch the Recruitment Vlog about the research study on alcohol use and trauma. See the DeafYES is Recruiting! flyer.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Martha Sheridan, Project Coordinator; Allen Talbert, DDSC President; Mark Alford, DDSC Vice President; Mary Ann Richmond, DDSC Secretary; Lisa Petrecca, Director, Milton Library; Beverly Marvel, Youth Services Coordinator, Milton Library.
Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens (DDSC), a nonprofit Delaware-based organization, has donated 21 books depicting deaf children and American Sign Language to the Milton Public Library. As a part of their community outreach, DDSC supports deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Delaware. The books were purchased in March and arrived at the library on April 10th.
In celebrating the arrival of the books, Allen Talbert, DDSC president stated, “This donation helps DDSC ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing children have access to books that recognize their language, depict them positively, and promote awareness of their lives and capabilities.”
Mary Ann Richmond, DDSC secretary, emphasized the importance of language development opportunities for deaf children through reading. Richmond said that she plans to bring her grandchildren to the library to enjoy the books. “These books will also be a great tool for teachers to use in their classrooms to help students learn about deaf children,” said Richmond.
Parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children, their siblings, and friends will also benefit from the books as they learn to include and communicate with the deaf child, notes project coordinator Dr. Martha Sheridan. “Another benefit of having these books in the Delaware library system is that deaf children will see themselves in the books, and that will encourage reading and advance their education,” said Sheridan. “Some of the books were written by deaf authors who understand the importance of books created for deaf children,” Sheridan added.
The National Association of the Deaf recognizes April as National Deaf History Month. “The books arrived just in time,” Milton Library Director Lisa Petrecca said. “The books focus on babies to age 5 and are shelved in the Children’s section of the Milton Library, but are available by request from any library in Delaware,” added Petrecca. For more information, please visit your local Delaware library or https://lib.de.us.
– News shared by Martha Sheridan, Project Coordinator
