Hello everyone, I am Phil Aiello, president of Deaf Seniors of America. I want to share with you several updates since my last vlog in December 2023. Video link
Since last fall, I have had the pleasure of interacting with members, organizations, and supporters — such as Maryland Deaf Senior Citizens, St. Augustine Club of the Deaf, Florida Association of the Deaf, Black Deaf Senior Citizens, and encouraging folks become members of DSA. I am happy to announce we have gained 40 new members and 42 renewals. If you know of friends who are not a member of DSA, please encourage them to join.
During our February DSA Board meeting, we decided to transition our official quarterly magazine, New Horizons, from print to digital format. The reason is due to the rising printing and postage costs. This will begin with the Summer 2024 issue. We will share the magazine with members via email, with link through a member-only portal on the DSA website. You will be able to read New Horizons on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You will be able to easily open text-based as well as video links. You will also be able to print the magazine or only the parts you are interested in reading. We will reach out to members via email in the coming months for those who prefer to opt in for the print version. We are excited for this new chapter and hope you will enjoy the convenience and flexibility of the New Horizons in digital format.
I am happy to announce that we received a generous donation from the Levine Foundation to support the DSA 2024 Webinar Series. The series will empower our members and interested persons with access to vital information and resources on topics specifically relevant to our needs and experiences. Webinar topics will cover various areas such as: Healthcare access, differences between Medicare and Medicaid, senior housing services, caregiving and caregiver support, reauthorization of the Old Americans Act, and cyber security and identity safety. Dates and times for the webinar series will be announced via email, New Horizons, and the DSA website.
The DSA Board will meet April 23–25, 2024 at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri. The agenda includes orientation on board roles and responsibilities, meetings with Lorrie Shank and members of the DSA 2025 KC Local Committee to review conference plans, and other DSA business matters. Members and the public are invited to observe the board in action.
We recently posted updates to the Senior Resource Listing on the DSA website. The information is now grouped into separate categories so that members and interested persons can find what they want easily. I ask that you, as DSA members, to help us update the resources within each state – deaf senior organizations, deaf clubs, senior housing services ranging from independent living to memory and specialized care, agencies and commissions serving deaf seniors and more. Please let Lance Fischer know what needs to be added or updated—email him at lance.fischer@deafseniors.us.
Following the decision at the DSA 2019 Seattle general meeting to hold biennial conferences on a regional rotating basis, the DSA 2027 will be held in either Region 1 or Region 4. If you lead a local or state Deaf Senior organization within these regions and are interested in volunteering to support the DSA 2027 Conference, we encourage you to reach out to Jerry Nelson to express interest; his email is jerry.nelson@deafseniors.us.
We’re getting ready for DSA 2025! Early bird registration for the DSA 2025 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri is still $400—this special rate ends on June 30, 2024. Starting July 1, registration will be $450. If you desire a payment plan, contact Cathy Edler, DSA treasurer at treasurer@deafseniors.us. The DSA 2025 Local Committee is diligently working hard to offer fabulous pre-conference tours to places such as the Museum of Deaf History, Arts, & Culture; Harry S. Truman Presidential Library; Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; National WW1 Museum & Memorial; KC Barbecue Tour, etc. Stay tuned for more information to follow via the DSA website.
All of us on the DSA Board welcome your ideas, concerns, queries, and suggestions. Your feedback is important and highly valued. We are all reachable by email.
In closing, I extend my wishes for your continued well-being and safety. Until next time.