Executive Pulse

DSA Leadership Engages in Key Meetings

Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) continues its mission of advocating for deaf and hard of hearing older adults, ensuring accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of life. Recently, DSA President Phil Aiello and I traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with key leaders and policymakers. These meetings were a critical step in strengthening DSA’s national partnerships, advancing accessibility discussions, and addressing pressing policy challenges for deaf seniors. View vlog

Collaboration with AARP’s DEIA Leadership

While in Washington, Phil and I had the opportunity to meet with AARP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) leadership team. Our conversation focused on AARP’s latest updates regarding accessibility guidelines for their internal employees, ensuring that deaf and hard of hearing staff members have equal access to workplace communication and resources.

Beyond internal policies, we explored opportunities for collaboration between AARP and DSA. AARP has been a longtime advocate for older adults, and we see great potential in working together to improve accessibility in healthcare, senior services, and technology.

Additionally, we discussed AARP’s sponsorship of DSA’s upcoming national conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Their support is instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of our event, bringing critical conversations on deaf aging and accessibility to a broader audience.

Meeting with Representative John Rutherford’s Office on the Deaf Caucus

While in Washington, we also met with a staff member from the office of U.S. Representative John Rutherford (R-FL), who represents Jacksonville, Florida. One of the most exciting updates from this meeting was news that the Deaf Caucus is being relaunched in Congress. This is a significant development, as the Deaf Caucus serves as a crucial platform for legislative advocacy on issues affecting the deaf community.

During our discussion, we emphasized the unique challenges faced by deaf older adults, particularly in healthcare and emergency preparedness. One of the most pressing concerns we highlighted was the lack of accessible medical alert devices for deaf seniors. Many current devices are designed with sound-based alerts, making them ineffective for those who rely on visual or vibration-based notifications. Ensuring that medical alert technology is inclusive of deaf users is a vital step toward improving safety and independence for deaf seniors.

Looking Ahead: Join Us at the DSA Conference in Kansas City!

These meetings underscored the importance of advocacy and collaboration in advancing the rights and accessibility needs of deaf seniors. DSA is committed to continuing these conversations and working with national partners to drive meaningful change.

I invite you to join us at the DSA Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, from August 2-8, 2025. This event will be an incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and advocate for a better future for deaf seniors. Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure that our voices are heard!

For more updates and to register for the conference, visit www.deafseniors.us/2025-conference.

See you in Kansas City! (See also Sherri's first Facebook Live recording here - her presentation begins at 5:20)