Archive

Hello everyone!

It has been one year DEAF, Inc. business operations have become online.  Since the coronavirus pandemic started in March of 2020, many things have changed. We would like to share our experiences. DEAF, Inc. has provided remove services as follows:

  - Teaching consumers how to use Zoom via Screen Sharing, Videophone or FaceTime.

  - Food shopping online and food delivery.

  - Applying for unemployment, housing, and food stamps online.

  - Paying bills online.

  - Setting up online bank accounts, depositing checks and checking balances online.

  - Making/preregistering vaccine appointments.

  - The voting process for the recent election. 

  - Providing online technology trainings, Zoom workshops and socials to minimize isolation.

  - Providing COVID-19 updates/safety/rules in ASL.

When COVID-19 started, most DeafBlind consumers stayed home a lot, ordered everything online, or depended on family members. But now, the DeafBlind consumers have adjusted to the COVID changes and are able to go out more again and continue to be independent for essential needs with providers. 

In the beginning, the people who registered for ASL classes were mostly from Massachusetts. Then, we started noticing more and more students from outside the state and even outside the country sign up for online ASL classes. We had several students from Canada and Columbia. We were able to expand our online foreign class offerings to Russian Sign Language and Japanese Sign Language. Many out of state students notice that DEAF, Inc. offers classes at an affordable rate and see this as a more doable option to take our online classes. 

Here are some comments from our staff as they share their experiences working from home:

I have a good feeling about empowering consumers to be more accountable with online learning and independent living skills.

Developed skills to bring information ready to work together during online meetings.

Improved active listening through communicating with consumers.

Try to improve self-care.

It was a challenge to transition from in-person classes to online in a short period of time.

Before COVID, staff didn’t lead online workshops and didn’t know what Zoom was. Now, staff have learned how to use Zoom and are teaching each other. Staff have also learned how to lead online workshops which is great!

I saved a lot of commute time to the office.

I’ve learned to use Zoom, I’ve learned how to use Google Meet, as well as remote voice to text captioning.

Being on Zoom all day is exhausting.

I started using VRS to attend workshops, trainings and events at the last moment more regularly.

I use more technology daily.

As a DeafBlind staff member, working from home and partaking in online meetings is challenging.

I learned how to better communicate with consumers and teach students online.

Our way of filing changed. We save files electronically in a specific order now. 

The relocation of two DEAF, Inc. offices during COVID was challenging.

I don’t think I’ve ever worked with so many monitors in my life! 

“We are Stronger Together.” There is strength in reaching out. After one year, isolation is a killer. These are tough times, but this is a good reminder to reaching out, we can survive together!

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Hello everyone!

DEAF, Inc. will have two workshops coming up in March.  “Scam 102 ALERT” on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Come join and learn how to avoid being a victim. For example, vaccine, online dating, and unemployment scam.

“Essential Cooking Methods Everyone Should Know” on March 31, 2021, from 2:00PM to 3:00PM. Come join and learn about cooking terminology and how to apply to real life.

Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357

Passcode: brainfood

If you need accommodations, please contact the Front Desk by phone or email at 617-505-4823 or frontdesk@deafinconline.org as soon as possible.

The IRS announced that it would move the deadline from April 15th to May 17th in order to give taxpayers additional time to file their 2020 tax returns.

Governor Baker made several important announcements this week: 

All residents of Massachusetts age 16 and older will be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine beginning April 19. Before that date, residents age 60 and older as well as workers considered essential can get a vaccine starting March 22, while those 55 and older can get a shot beginning April 5. The essential workers eligible for a vaccination starting March 22 include those who work at supermarkets and convenience stores, restaurant workers, transit employees and funeral home workers. Depending on supply, it could still take weeks for people to be notified that an appointment is available at a mass vaccination site. All residents can preregister to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

The state will replace the COVID-19 travel order with a travel advisory that no longer requires people entering Massachusetts to complete a travel form. Under the new travel advisory, anyone arriving in Massachusetts after being elsewhere for more than 24 hours will be advised to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival but won't be required. It will take effect on Monday, March 22nd. 

That same day, Phase 4 of the state's coronavirus reopening plan will begin.

The town-by-town coronavirus data showed 20 communities in the high-risk red zone, up from 14 last week. Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Stay safe and healthy!

Barnstable, Chicopee, Dighton, Douglas, Fall River, Freetown, Hanson, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lowell, Methuen, Millis, Plymouth, Revere, Rutland, Southwick, Sterling, Sutton, West Bridgewater, Yarmouth

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Hello Everyone!

President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package on Thursday afternoon. The plan will send direct payments of up to $1,400 to most Americans. Direct deposits will start hitting Americans' bank accounts as soon as this weekend. The bill will also extend a $300 per week unemployment insurance boost until September 6 and expand the child tax credit for a year. It will also put nearly $20 billion into COVID-19 vaccinations, $25 billion into rental and utility assistance, and $350 billion into state, local and tribal relief.

The process to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment is changing in Massachusetts. Starting Friday, March 12, people can preregister on the state's website, www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine, to book an appointment at the nearest Mass vaccination site based on your zip code.

People will be asked to fill out some personal information on a preregistration form. Preregistered residents will be added to a waiting list and notified when an appointment becomes available. Once an appointment opens up, residents will be notified via email, phone or text, based on their preference. The notification will include a link with a special code needed to schedule the appointment, which expires after one day.

The appointment must be accepted within 24 hours, otherwise the resident will be sent back into the queue and must wait for another appointment.

Residents can opt out of their preregistration at any time if they get an appointment elsewhere.

The preregistration system allows family members and caregivers to fill out the form on behalf of someone else in order to accommodate elderly residents. Residents who do not have internet access or have trouble with the process can call 211 to preregister.

www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

Massachusetts health officials are no longer requiring people who have been fully vaccinated to quarantine or test negative for COVID-19 when traveling to the Bay State at least two weeks after their final shot.

They will have to be able to show they've been vaccinated, and when, if asked about it, according to the new guidance. However, vaccinated people with symptoms of COVID-19 must continue to follow the testing and quarantine rules that are already in place.

There are only four U.S. states and one American territory with low enough COVID-19 rates that Massachusetts health officials are allowing non-vaccinated people to travel from without quarantine. They are Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Missouri and Puerto Rico.

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 2:00 A.M. On Saturday night, do not forget to set your clocks forward one hour (i.e., losing one hour) to “spring ahead.”

There are now only 14 Massachusetts communities at the highest risk of coronavirus transmission, five fewer than last week. It's the seventh straight week that number has fallen. Stay safe and healthy.

Blackstone, Chicopee, Douglas, Fall River, Freetown, Lawrence, Ludlow, Plainville, Revere, Springfield, Sterling, Sutton, Westminster and Weymouth.

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Hello Everyone,

Executive Director Sharon Applegate just announced her retirement. Please see her ASL vlog and press release (English version) posts on either our website or Facebook.

DEAF, Inc. hosted a very successful workshop on how to get the COVID vaccine last week. Many people joined and we had great discussions. A plethora of information was covered as well. 

We will have a workshop on Thursday, March 11, 2021, from 2:00PM - 3:30PM. 

Topics include: Interested to learn how to fill out U.S. Passport Application? 

U.S. Passport Expired? What are the next steps? 

The workshop will be presented in ASL. If you need accommodations, please contact us at 617-505-4823 as soon as possible.  Zoom Meeting ID: 918 8838 8357 Meeting Password: brainfood

Great news! DEAF, Inc. will offer a Japanese Sign Language course this Spring semester! Come learn JSL in a fun, interactive environment on Tuesdays, April 20th—June 22nd 7:00pm-9:00pm. JSL will be taught online via Zoom. Specifics will be emailed before the start of class. 

To secure your spot, register and pay by Wednesday April 14th, 2021. 

www.deafinconline.org/asl-program/course-schedule-and-registration 

Join us for our monthly ASL Zoom social on March 26th from 6:00PM - 8:00PM EST! Everyone is welcome! ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are all welcome!

RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, March 25th at 3:00PM EST to receive the Zoom meeting ID.

There are now 19 Massachusetts cities and towns in the state's COVID red zone, another drop in the number of high-risk communities. Stay safe and healthy!

Blackstone, Chicopee, Clinton, Fall River, Freetown, Hadley, Haverhill, Lawrence, Ludlow, Lynn, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Plainville, Springfield, Sterling, Sutton, West Bridgewater, and Weymouth.

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Hello Everyone!

DEAF, Inc. is looking for a professional job coach, 10-12 hours a week for 3 months, on a contract basis. The Job Coach will support and train an employee “on the job” one-on-one to develop skills to be able to complete their job duties independently.  Please check our website for more info about the position.

We are still looking for DBCAN providers. Providers work with DeafBlind consumers to support them in going out for errands, doctor’s appointments, and other outings. There is a need for providers all over Massachusetts, in the Northeast, Southeast, Greater Boston, and Western regions. No experience necessary, just a willingness to learn. We will offer a full training for those who want to become providers. If interested, you can find the job description and application on our website. www.deafinconline.org/jobs-positions/dbcan-provider

Workshop Announcement!

Join us on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 from 2:00PM - 3:00PM EST for our "Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine" workshop! Everyone is welcome!

Topics include:

1. How to find out when you can get the vaccine

2. How to make an appointment

3. What to expect during the appointment and afterwards

The workshop will be over Zoom: Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357 Passcode: brainfood

Need accommodations? Email our Front Desk, frontdesk@deafinconline.org

There are now just 28 Massachusetts cities and towns at the highest risk of coronavirus transmission, a drop of more than 200 from its peak in mid-January. Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distancing. Stay safe and healthy.

Acushnet, Ashburnham, Blackstone, Brockton, Chicopee, Cohasset, Fall River, Freetown, Haverhill, Lakeville, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Methuen, Middleborough, New Bedford, Peabody, Plymouth, Revere, Rutland, Southampton, Southbridge, Springfield, Taunton, Templeton, West Bridgewater, Westminster and Weymouth.

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Hello Everyone!

We want to inform that DEAF, Inc. continues providing remote services. If you need in-person service, please contact DEAF, Inc. to make an appointment.

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop in ASL called “Communication Strategies for People with Hearing Loss.”  When: Tuesday February 23, 2021. 2:00PM to 3:00PM.  Zoom: Meeting ID: 918 8838 8357    Passcode: brainfood

If you are interested or need accommodations, please contact: Front Desk Frontdesk@deafinconline.org or 617-505-4823 VP.

There are two vaccination clinics that will have ASL interpreters on-site at the following dates and times:

Gillette Stadium: Saturday, February 20th, from 8am-6pm

Fenway Park: Sunday, February 21st, from 9am-5pm

Walk-ins are not allowed. Vaccination is by prior appointment only.

Only individuals designated as eligible per the State’s vaccine distribution timeline will qualify for the appointments. 

Individuals 65 and over, including residents and staff of low income and affordable public and private senior housing are eligible to receive vaccine effective Thursday, February 18. Individuals 16 and older with two or more of certain medical conditions are also eligible for vaccine.

Details for booking can be found via the COVID-19 Vaccine Finder, which enables residents to search for a vaccination location and view appointment availability before scheduling. The tool can be accessed via the state’s vaccination website directly at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov.

Individuals who are unable to access appointments via the internet can call 211 or 877-211-6277.  The call center is able to accept calls from individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and calling through VRS.

Due to extremely high demand for appointments and limited vaccine supply, state officials said that it could take more than a month for all eligible individuals to secure an available appointment, unless federal supply significantly increases. Residents are encouraged to keep checking the website, as appointments are added on a rolling basis.

66 cities and towns are in the red zone, down from 110 last week. Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and keeping social distance. Stay safe and healthy!

The following 66 communities are in the highest risk level as of Thursday: Abington, Acushnet, Ayer, Barnstable, Berkley, Blackstone, Bolton, Boxford, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Chatham, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, Fall River, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Ludlow, Lynn, Marion, Methuen, Middleborough, New Bedford, North Reading, Orleans, Oxford, Peabody, Plainville, Plymouth, Raynham, Revere, Rockland, Rutland, Saugus, Seekonk, Somerset, Southampton, Southbridge, Southwick, Springfield, Sterling, Sunderland, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Ware, West Bridgewater, Westminster, Westport, Weymouth and Whitman.

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Hello Everyone!

We are so excited to announce two new staff joining DEAF, Inc.: Linda Marple as Hard of Hearing/Late-Deafened IL Specialist for the Northeast Region and North Shore Region and Cynthia Bartlett as IL Specialist for the Southeast Region. Join one of our virtual events to meet Linda and Cynthia who look forward to meeting you!

Are you interested in learning ASL? Anyone can join! We provide a fun, relaxed, and interactive learning environment with Deaf, native ASL teachers. We offer beginner ASL 1 classes as well as ASL 2, 3, 4, and 5. Register now! We have a strict cap of 15 students per class. They fill up quick! www.deafinconline.org/asl-program/course-schedule-and-registration

A reminder: DEAF, Inc. will host a workshop called "Healthy Heart" on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 10:30am. Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357   Passcode: brainfood

Come join our ASL Social, Friday, February 19th at 6pm. RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, February 18th at 3pm EST to receive both meeting ID and passcode.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that one mask is good, but two is better. Two masks can double your protection, but what matters most is a tight fit to get the most protection against COVID-19, especially highly contagious variants. If you consider wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask, you are more likely to have a close fit. If you prefer just to wear a surgical mask, there is a way – if you tie the elastic bands closer to the edges of the mask, then you actually have a much tighter fit on your face. 

110 cities and towns are in the red zone, down from 153 last week. Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and keeping social distance. 4

The following 110 communities are in the highest risk level as of Thursday: Abington, Acushnet, Adams, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Bellingham, Berkley, Blackstone, Boxford, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Chatham, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, East Bridgewater, Eastham, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Foxborough, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Great Barrington, Halifax, Hamilton, Hampden, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Holbrook, Holyoke, Hudson, Hull, Lakeville, Lawrence, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Malden, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Monson, New Bedford, North Reading, Norwood, Orleans, Oxford, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, Pembroke, Plainville, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rutland, Salisbury, Sandwich, Saugus, Seekonk, Shirley, Somerset, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Sunderland, Sutton, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Townsend, Ware, Webster, West Bridgewater, West Brookfield, West Springfield, Westminster, Westport, Weymouth, Whitman and Winchendon.

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Hello Everyone!

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Jean Healy, a long-time member of DEAF, Inc.’s staff and family, passed away last week. Jean retired from her role as Assistant Director of DBCAN this past December. At DEAF, Inc. for 12 years, Jean was more than “just” a staff member. She was a strong advocate for DeafBlind rights and the dignity of DeafBlind people. She fought for services to support the independence of DeafBlind people across Massachusetts and beyond. Jean was a woman of grace, with strength and commitment, and an open heart. Jean was a private woman, yet she never hesitated to stand up for what she believed. Jean’s spirit was always strong and positive. We will all miss her spirit at DEAF, Inc. We can take comfort in our memories of Jean.

We want to let you know that ASL class registration for spring is now open. Please check our website for more info about ASL classes: https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-program 

Last week we had the ASL social event. Over 70 people attended! Wow! It was fun! Come join us again Friday, February 19th at 6pm. ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, February 18th at 3pm EST to receive both meeting ID and passcode.

DEAF, Inc. will be hosting a workshop called "Healthy Heart" on Thursday, February 18th, from 10:30am-12:00pm. 

What is a healthy heart?

How do you get heart disease?

How do you prevent heart disease?

How do you stay healthy?

All of these questions will be answered in our virtual Zoom workshop!

Zoom ID: 918 8838 8357

Passcode: brainfood

If you need accommodations, please contact us at frontdesk@deafinconline.org

ALERT:  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning people against sharing pictures of their vaccination cards on social media. Why? BBB said the information on the card can make people vulnerable to identity theft and can help scammers create phony versions of the cards.

Vaccination cards have full names, birthdate information and information about where the vaccine was given. Scammers in Great Britain were caught selling fake vaccination cards on eBay and TikTok.  The BBB said there are ways to safely share that you got the vaccination on social media and gave some tips: Share your vaccine sticker or use a profile frame instead.

Yesterday Governor Baker announced that he will relax the state's capacity restrictions for many businesses because of downward trends in new cases of COVID-19. Effective Monday, February 8th, businesses that were limited to 25% capacity will be able to go to 40% capacity. That will include restaurants, gyms and close-contact services. A 90-minute time restriction for indoor dining remains in place, as does a limit of six people per table. Gathering limits of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors will remain in place.

The number of Massachusetts cities and towns in the COVID red zone has dropped by nearly 40, from 192 to 153. Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distancing. Stay safe and healthy!

Abington, Acushnet, Adams, Agawam, Ashburnham, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Barre, Bellingham, Berkley, Berlin, Blackstone, Boxford, Boylston, Braintree, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brockton, Canton, Carver, Charlton, Chatham, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, East Bridgewater, Edgartown, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Granby, Great Barrington, Groveland, Halifax, Hamilton, Hampden, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Haverhill, Holbrook, Holyoke, Hopedale, Hudson, Hull, Kingston, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Mansfield, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Maynard, Mendon, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Monson, Nahant, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Attleborough, North Brookfield, Norton, Norwood, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Oxford, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, Pembroke, Pepperell, Plainville, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Rehoboth, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rutland, Salisbury, Sandwich, Saugus, Seekonk, Shirley, Somerset, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Stoughton, Sutton, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Topsfield, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Uxbridge, Wakefield, Walpole, Wareham, Webster, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Brookfield, West Springfield, Westfield, Westminster, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Winchendon, Winthrop, Worcester and Wrentham.

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Hello Everyone!

DEAF, Inc. is looking to fill the DBCAN Assistant Director position with three years' experience with DeafBlind individuals and community as well as an understanding and sensitivity to DeafBlind culture. Please watch DBCAN Director’s vlog posted on Facebook as well as check out our website for more info about the position. 

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop called APPLYING FOR A U.S. PASSPORT on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. It will be resented in ASL. If you need accommodations, please contact us at 617-505-4823 as soon as possible. 

Zoom ID # 918 8838 8357 Passcode: brainfood

All travelers flying into the U.S. must now provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than three days before their flight, or they will be denied boarding. The order was initially announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on January 12 and formalized in an executive order President Biden signed last week.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed all alcohol-based hand sanitizers coming from Mexico on a countrywide "import alert". Methanol, or wood alcohol, can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and can be life-threatening if ingested. It is not an acceptable ingredient in hand sanitizer in the United States.

Governor Baker announced that Massachusetts will move to the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout timeline on February 1. The revised order is:

Individuals over age 75

Individuals over age 65 or with at least two comorbidities

Early education and K-12 workers, transit, utility, food and agriculture, sanitation, public works, and public health workers

Lastly, individuals with one comorbidity. 

Phase 2 vaccines: Know before you go:

Adults 75 and older will be able to start making appointments with individual providers beginning Wednesday. State officials maintain a map of all locations, with links to the various booking systems.

Wherever you get your first dose, you'll also have to get your second dose. So, keep that in mind if you're driving far, you'll need to make that drive twice.

At the appointment, you'll need ID to show proof of age.

You must wear a mask and consider a short-sleeve shirt.

Make sure you get your vaccination card as proof.

The whole appointment should take 30 to 45 minutes.

Everyone is eligible to get the vaccine for free. No one will have to pay anything out-of-pocket.

Companies running the clinics can charge your insurance for a fee, so take your insurance card.

If you don't have insurance or are an undocumented immigrant, the clinics will seek reimbursement from the federal government.

Bookings open Wednesday at individual providers accessible through a map maintained by the Department of Public Health, which displays vaccination sites, color-coded for whom they serve. After choosing a location, you will be directed to a site where you can make an appointment. Here is the link to make an appointment. 

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations-for-individuals-in-eligible-groups-and-phases

Governor Baker said that due to extremely high demand for appointments and limited vaccine supply, it may take time to secure an available appointment. Residents are encouraged to keep checking the website as appointments are added on a rolling basis. 

Mayer Walsh announced that Boston will return to Phase 3 Step 1 of the city’s reopening plan Monday, February 1. Starting Monday, fitness centers and health clubs, museums, arcades, movie theaters and sight-seeing and organized tours will all be able to reopen at 25% capacity.

Indoor gatherings will still be limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people. This applies to public and private spaces. 

192 cities and towns are in the red zone, down from 222 last week.  Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and practicing social distancing. Stay safe and healthy!

Abington, Acushnet, Adams, Agawam, Ashburnham, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Barre, Belchertown, Bellingham, Berkley, Berlin, Billerica, Blackstone, Boxford, Boylston, Braintree, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brockton, Burlington, Canton, Carver, Chatham, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Dalton, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dighton, Douglas, Dover, Dracut, Dudley, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, East Longmeadow, Easton, Edgartown, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Falmouth, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Gloucester, Grafton, Granby, Great Barrington, Groveland, Hadley, Halifax, Hamilton, Hampden, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Haverhill, Holbrook, Holden, Holyoke, Hopedale, Hudson, Hull, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lee, Leicester, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Malden, Manchester, Mansfield, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mashpee, Mattapoisett, Maynard, Medway, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Monson, Nahant, Nantucket, New Bedford, Newbury, North Attleborough, North Brookfield, Norton, Norwood, Oak Bluffs, Orange, Orleans, Oxford, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, Pembroke, Pepperell, Plainville, Plymouth, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Rehoboth, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rockport, Rowley, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Sandwich, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Sharon, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Stoughton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Tewksbury, Tisbury, Topsfield, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Uxbridge, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Ware, Wareham, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Brookfield, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Westminster, Westport, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winchendon, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham and Yarmouth.

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Hello Everyone!

A reminder: DEAF, Inc. will host ASL social Friday, January 29th at 6pm. Everyone is welcome!

Last week the Baker Administration announced the appointment of Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa as a new Commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), effective March 1, 2021. Dr. Sotonwa brings over 20 years’ experience as a lawyer, advocate, and accomplished public official who has improved access, accommodations, and quality of life for individuals who are Deaf, Late Deafened, Hard of Hearing and Deafblind. He is fluent in English, American Sign Language (ASL), Nigerian Sign Language, and Yoruba (Nigerian). Most recently, Dr. Sotonwa has served as Executive Director for the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Congratulations Dr. Sotonwa!

The IRS is delaying the start of the 2020 tax filing season to February 12, according to an announcement Friday from the agency. On February 12, the IRS will start accepting and processing last year's tax returns. The IRS needs more time to prepare after the COVID relief act that took effect in late December. The tax filing deadline is still April 15.

President Biden just signed his first executive order, called the “100 days masking challenge”, requiring masks on federal property. It applies to federal buildings, federal lands, including post offices, the VA and national parks. He’s also asking all Americans to wear a mask for the next 100 days to help curb the spread of the coronavirus while vaccines are rolled out. 

President Biden’s mask order for travel applies to airports and planes, ships, intercity buses, trains and public transportation. Travelers from abroad must furnish a negative COVID-19 test before departing for the U.S. and must quarantine upon arrival.

A second case of the more infectious coronavirus variant from the UK was confirmed in Massachusetts this week by a state laboratory. 

The CDC has predicted that the variant first identified in Britain could become the dominant source of infection in the U.S. by March. To avoid it, you’ll need to double down on the precautions that have kept you safe so far.

• Cut down your time at the grocery store.
• Wear a two- or three-layer mask.
• Don’t spend time indoors with people not from your household.
• Avoid crowds, and keep your distance.
• Wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face. 

Governor Baker on Thursday announced that a stay-at-home advisory and an order requiring all businesses close by 9:30 p.m. will be lifted Monday, January 25th as health officials see encouraging trends in the state's COVID-19 data. While restaurants, health clubs, casinos, movie theaters, and other businesses will be able to stay open later than 9:30 p.m. next week, they will still not be allowed to put fill their places of business to greater than 25 percent capacity. That restriction will remain in place for at least another two weeks more.

The following 222 communities, a decrease of 7 towns vs. last week, are in the highest risk level as of Thursday: Abington, Acushnet, Adams, Agawam, Amesbury, Andover, Ashburnham, Ashby, Ashland, Athol, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Barre, Belchertown, Bellingham, Berkley, Berlin, Beverly, Billerica, Blackstone, Boston, Bourne, Boxborough, Boxford, Boylston, Braintree, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brimfield, Brockton, Brookfield, Burlington, Canton, Carver, Charlton, Chatham, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Dalton, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham, Deerfield, Dennis, Dighton, Douglas, Dover, Dracut, Dudley, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, East Brookfield, East Longmeadow, Easton, Edgartown, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Falmouth, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Gloucester, Grafton, Granby, Great Barrington, Groveland, Hadley, Halifax, Hamilton, Hampden, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Hatfield, Haverhill, Holbrook, Holden, Holliston, Holyoke, Hopedale, Hudson, Hull, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lee, Leicester, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester, Mansfield, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mashpee, Mattapoisett, Maynard, Medford, Medway, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Monson, Nahant, Nantucket, New Bedford, Newbury, Norfolk, North Andover, North Attleborough, North Brookfield, North Reading, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, Oak Bluffs, Orange, Oxford, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, Pembroke, Pepperell, Pittsfield, Plainville, Plymouth, Plympton, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Reading, Rehoboth, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rockport, Rowley, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Sandwich, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Stoneham, Stoughton, Stow, Sturbridge, Sunderland, Sutton, Swampscott, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Tewksbury, Tisbury, Topsfield, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Uxbridge, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Ware, Wareham, Warren, Webster, Wenham, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Brookfield, West Newbury, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Westminster, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winchendon, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham and Yarmouth.

Stay safe and healthy!

‍

Hello Everyone!

DEAF, Inc. will have monthly ASL social on Friday, January 29th at 6pm. ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, January 28th at 3pm EST to receive meeting ID.

Please be aware that DEAF, Inc. will be closed Monday, January 18th in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

We will have a Presidential Inauguration Day on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden and Harris will take an oath and be sworn in as our official president and vice-president of the US. Biden will be the oldest president elected to office at 78 years old and 2 months. Harris is the first black and South Asian (Indian) woman to be elected as Vice President. 

The FBI is warning of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C. this week through President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration after last week’s deadly siege at the U.S. Capitol and is urging Americans to avoid the city during Biden's inauguration on January 20th and to participate virtually.

In the first phase of the current three-phase vaccine rollout in Massachusetts, officials are prioritizing (in this order) frontline health care workers; nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; first responders; congregate care settings, such as homeless shelters and prisons; and other health care workers who are not treating COVID-19 patients.

Governor Baker said so far over 470,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been distributed to providers in Massachusetts. The Department of Public Health released its weekly vaccine dashboard Thursday, which showed that 210,000 people in the Bay State have received their first vaccine shot and that another 32,000 have received both shots.

Nearly two-thirds of Massachusetts’ cities and towns are now in the state's coronavirus red zone, indicating the highest risk of transmission that puts a record 229 cities and towns in the red zone, up from 219 last week. That means 65% of all of Massachusetts' 351 communities are in the red zone.

Abington, Acushnet, Adams, Agawam, Amesbury, Andover, Ashburnham, Ashland, Athol, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Barre, Belchertown, Bellingham, Berkley, Berlin, Beverly, Billerica, Blackstone, Boston, Bourne, Boxford, Boylston, Braintree, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brimfield, Brockton, Brookfield, Burlington, Canton, Carver, Charlton, Chatham, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Cheshire, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Dalton, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dighton, Douglas, Dover, Dracut, Dudley, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, East Brookfield, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Easton, Edgartown, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Gloucester, Grafton, Granby, Great Barrington, Groveland, Hadley, Halifax, Hamilton, Hampden, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Hatfield, Haverhill, Hingham, Holbrook, Holden, Holliston, Holyoke, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Hull, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lee, Leicester, Leominster, Littleton, Longmeadow, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester, Mansfield, Marblehead, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mashpee, Mattapoisett, Maynard, Medford, Medway, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Millville, Milton, Monson, Nahant, Nantucket, New Bedford, Newbury, Norfolk, North Andover, North Attleborough, North Brookfield, North Reading, Northborough, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, Oak Bluffs, Orange, Orleans, Oxford, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, Pembroke, Pepperell, Pittsfield, Plainville, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Reading, Rehoboth, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rockport, Rowley, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Sandwich, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Somerville, South Hadley, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Stoneham, Stoughton, Stow, Sturbridge, Sunderland, Sutton, Swampscott, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Tewksbury, Tisbury, Topsfield, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Uxbridge, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Ware, Wareham, Warren, Webster, Wenham, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Brookfield, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Westminster, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winchendon, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham and Yarmouth.

Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distancing.

Stay safe and healthy!

‍

Hello Everyone!

We want to inform that DEAF, Inc. continues providing remote services. If you need in-person service, please contact DEAF, Inc. to make an appointment.

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop called “Diabetes” on January 21, 2021 at 10:30am. What do you know about diabetes? Do you know how to prevent it? How do you know you have it? Come join the workshop to learn more about diabetes. Everyone is welcome!  Zoom ID# 918 8838 8357 Passcode: brainfood 

Attention: The Better Business Bureau is warning people to look out for fraud as the new round of stimulus checks goes out. The organization says it has already received reports of scammers claiming people need to provide personal information to receive funds. People do not need to provide personal info and should not reply to messages saying they do.

The City of Boston is offering free coronavirus testing at three mobile sites this week through Saturday, January 16, 2021. Testing at our mobile sites is available to anyone, regardless of symptoms and insurance coverage. If you are interested in accessing free COVID-19 testing, check out the City’s mobile testing sites. 

https://www.boston.gov/departments/pu...

Governor Baker announced Thursday that the state's current restrictions for gatherings and business capacity will be extended for at least two weeks. The current level of limitation was originally due to expire January 10 but will now last through January 24.  The gathering limit, which was originally announced on December 22, is set at 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. Most businesses, including restaurants, are limited to 25% capacity.

On Thursday Mass. released updated COVID-19 town-by-town color-coded metrics, which added 29 new towns into the high-risk category. 219 communities are now considered "high risk:"

Abington, Acushnet, Adams, Agawam, Amesbury, Andover, Ashburnham, Ashland, Athol, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Barre, Belchertown, Bellingham, Berkley, Beverly, Billerica, Blackstone, Bolton, Boston, Bourne, Boxford, Boylston, Braintree, Brewster, Bridgewater, Brockton, Burlington, Canton, Carver, Charlton, Chatham, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Cheshire, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, Dudley, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, East Brookfield, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Easton, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Gloucester, Grafton, Granby, Great Barrington, Groveland, Hadley, Halifax, Hamilton, Hampden, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Haverhill, Hingham, Holbrook, Holden, Holliston, Holyoke, Hopedale, Hudson, Hull, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lee, Leicester, Leominster, Littleton, Longmeadow, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester, Mansfield, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mashpee, Mattapoisett, Maynard, Medford, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Milton, Monson, Montague, Nahant, Nantucket, New Bedford, Newbury, Norfolk, North Andover, North Attleborough, North Brookfield, North Reading, Northbridge, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, Oak Bluffs, Orange, Orleans, Oxford, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, Pembroke, Pepperell, Plainville, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Reading, Rehoboth, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rockport, Rowley, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Sandwich, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Somerset, South Hadley, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Stoneham, Stoughton, Stow, Sturbridge, Sutton, Swampscott, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Tewksbury, Tisbury, Topsfield, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Uxbridge, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Ware, Wareham, Warren, Watertown, Wayland, Webster, Wenham, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Brookfield, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Westminster, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winchendon, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham and Yarmouth.

Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distancing.

Stay safe and healthy!

‍

Hello Everyone! Happy New Year and Welcome to 2021! You see a new face here. My name is Ashley Kingston. I will be doing DEAF, Inc. weekly vlogs from now on. Here is some important news we want to share with all of you.

DEAF, Inc. has several job openings: DBCAN Director Assistant, and two Independent Living Specialist positions.

For more info, please visit the website.  https://www.deafinconline.org/jobs/jo...

Due to the holiday closing, the deadline for ASL class registrations has been extended to Wednesday, January 6th. If you are interested in learning ASL, grab your seat!

Please see registration link below.

https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-pro...

Attention: MA Attorney General has warned all MA residents that email and phone scams have started to emerge around COVID-19 vaccines, including some that falsely promise early access, promote disinformation, or use vaccination as a guide to seek and receive personal, financial details, and unsolicited offers asking for a payment or deposit to get on a list for vaccine access.

You can't pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine or to get into a vaccine clinical trial. Information about how to access the vaccine will be widely distributed by Department of Public Health when the vaccine becomes available to the general public. Contact your health care provider for reliable information about signing up for a vaccine appointment. Massachusetts residents will not have to pay out of pocket for the vaccine. Anyone with questions or concerns about vaccine scams and fraud can contact the AG's consumer hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint online.

President Trump signed on Sunday a $900 billion pandemic relief bill into law that includes enhanced unemployment benefits and direct cash payments.

This includes $600 for individuals who earn less than $75,000/year

$1,200 for married couples who earn less than $150,000/year, and

$600 for dependents under age 17.

This includes people who receive Social Security benefits (SSI, SSDI, etc.)

Anyone who filed for taxes recently and has shared bank information with the IRS will get it directly deposited. If the IRS doesn’t have your bank information, they will mail a paper check.

The following 190 communities are in the highest risk level as of last Thursday: Abington, Acushnet, Agawam, Amesbury, Andover, Ashburnham, Athol, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Bellingham, Berkley, Beverly, Billerica, Blackstone, Boston, Boxford, Boylston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Brookfield, Burlington, Canton, Carver, Charlton, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Cohasset, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dennis, Dighton, Douglas, Dover, Dracut, Dudley, East Bridgewater, East Longmeadow, Easton, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Grafton, Granby, Groveland, Hadley, Halifax, Hamilton, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Holbrook, Holden, Holliston, Holyoke, Hopedale, Hudson, Hull, Ipswich, Kingston, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lee, Leicester, Leominster, Littleton, Longmeadow, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester, Mansfield, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mashpee, Mattapoisett, Melrose, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Milton, Monson, Montague, Nantucket, New Bedford, Newbury, Norfolk, North Andover, North Attleborough, North Brookfield, North Reading, Norton, Norwell, Norwood, Orange, Oxford, Palmer, Paxton, Peabody, Pembroke, Pepperell, Plainville, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Reading, Rehoboth, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rockport, Rowley, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Somerset, South Hadley, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Stoneham, Stoughton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Swampscott, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Uxbridge, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Ware, Wareham, Webster, Wenham, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Brookfield, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Westminster, Westport, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winchendon, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham and Yarmouth.

Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and keeping your social distance. Stay safe and healthy

Transcript (español abajo):

Hello Everyone!

Here is some important info to share with you. DEAF, Inc. has two vacant Independent Living positions. Please visit the DEAF, Inc. website for more info on jobs. And ASL class registration is still open, sign up for ASL classes if you are interested.

We also want to inform you DEAF, Inc. holiday closing from December 24 through January 3, 2021. DEAF, Inc. services will resume on Monday, January 4, 2021.

Boston, Arlington, Brockton, Lynn, Newton, Somerville, Winthrop and several neighboring communities announced that they are rolling back one step further to Phase 2, Step 2 of the state's reopening. The rollback to Phase 2, Step 2 closes gyms, indoor event spaces, indoor recreational and athletic facilities, sightseeing, historical locations and a few other industries.

Governor Baker urges MA residents not to gather in groups or travel during the upcoming holidays because activities could put additional strain on hospitals amid a surge of coronavirus cases.

The following activities are considered "lower risk," per the Department of Public Health.

• Limit in-person holiday gatherings to only people you live with.

• Host a virtual holiday dinner with extended family or friends.

• Prepare foods for family and neighbors and deliver them in a no-contact way.

• Virtually attend your traditional holiday activities, such as a visit with Santa.

• View holiday lights from your car with those you live with.

As of last Thursday, the number of communities in the highest risk level has risen to 187. Again, the safest way to celebrate holidays this year is with members of your own household and to postpone or cancel any travel plans and to avoid gatherings with people you don't live with. Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and maintaining social distancing.

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! Stay safe and healthy! See you in 2021!

¡Hola a todos!

Aquí hay información importante para compartir con ustedes. DEAF, Inc. tiene dos puestos vacantes de vida independiente. Visite el sitio web de DEAF, Inc. para obtener más información sobre empleos. Y el registro de clases de ASL aún está abierto, inscríbase en las clases de ASL si está interesado.

También queremos informarle que DEAF, Inc. cierra por feriados del 24 de diciembre al 3 de enero de 2021. Los servicios de DEAF, Inc. se reanudarán el lunes 4 de enero de 2021.

Boston, Arlington, Brockton, Lynn, Newton, Somerville, Winthrop y varias comunidades vecinas anunciaron que retrocederán un paso más hacia la Fase 2, Paso 2 de la reapertura del estado. El retroceso a la Fase 2, Paso 2 cierra gimnasios, espacios para eventos en interiores, instalaciones deportivas y recreativas bajo techo, visitas turísticas, lugares históricos y algunas otras industrias.

El gobernador Baker insta a los residentes de Massachusetts a que no se reúnan en grupos ni viajen durante las próximas vacaciones porque las actividades podrían ejercer presión adicional sobre los hospitales en medio de un aumento de casos de coronavirus.

Las siguientes actividades se consideran de "menor riesgo", según el Departamento de Salud Pública.

• Limite las reuniones de vacaciones en persona a solo las personas con las que vive.

• Organice una cena navideña virtual con familiares o amigos.

• Prepare alimentos para la familia y los vecinos y entréguelos sin contacto.

• Asista virtualmente a sus actividades tradicionales de vacaciones, como una visita a Santa.

• Vea las luces navideñas desde su automóvil con las personas con las que vive.

Actualizado el jueves pasado, el número de comunidades en el nivel de riesgo más alto había aumentado a 187. Nuevamente, la forma más segura de celebrar las fiestas este año es con miembros de su propio hogar y posponer o cancelar cualquier plan de viaje y evitar reuniones con personas. con el que no vives. Continúe usando máscara, lavándose las manos y manteniendo el distanciamiento social.

¡Felices vacaciones! ¡Feliz año nuevo! ¡Manténgase sano y salvo! ¡Nos vemos en 2021!

‍

Transcript:

Hello Everyone!!

Governor Baker announced Massachusetts would be moving back to Phase 3, Step 1 of its reopening plan starting Sunday.

There are now 158 communities considered at the highest risk for transmitting the new coronavirus in Massachusetts, according to the latest weekly community-level data on the pandemic. It's a new record and a massive increase of 61 from the 97 towns and cities in the report's red zone last week.

The following 158 communities are in the highest risk level as of Thursday: Abington, Acushnet, Agawam, Amesbury, Andover, Ashland, Attleboro, Auburn, Avon, Ayer, Barnstable, Bellingham, Berkley, Billerica, Blackstone, Boxford, Boylston, Bridgewater, Brockton, Burlington, Carver, Charlton, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Concord, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dighton, Douglas, Dover, Dracut, Dudley, East Bridgewater, Edgartown, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Gloucester, Grafton, Granby, Groveland, Halifax, Hamilton, Hanover, Hanson, Harwich, Haverhill, Holbrook, Holden, Holyoke, Hopedale, Hudson, Lakeville, Lancaster, Lawrence, Leicester, Lenox, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester, Mansfield, Marion, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Melrose, Mendon, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Millis, Montague, Nantucket, New Bedford, Norfolk, North Andover, North Attleborough, North Brookfield, Northborough, Norton, Norwood, Oxford, Palmer, Peabody, Pembroke, Pittsfield, Plainville, Plymouth, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Rehoboth, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Rowley, Rutland, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Seekonk, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Southampton, Southborough, Southbridge, Southwick, Spencer, Springfield, Sterling, Stoneham, Stoughton, Sturbridge, Sutton, Swansea, Taunton, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Uxbridge, Wakefield, Walpole, Wareham, Webster, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Springfield, Westfield, Westford, Westminster, Westport, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilbraham, Wilmington, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester and Yarmouth.

Governor Baker announced Wednesday that the state's COVID-19 vaccine distribution will occur in three phases and is expected to start before the end of the month.

Phase one will run from December to mid-February, offering vaccines in descending order of priority to health care workers, long-term care facilities, first responders, congregate care settings including both shelters and correctional facilities, home-based health care workers and health care workers who do not interact directly with COVID care.

If the first phase goes according to plan, Baker said phase two will start sometime in February. In phase two, adults with two or more comorbidities that create risks for COVID-19 complications would be first in line, followed by workers in fields such as transit, education, and grocery stores, then adults 65 years old and older and individuals with just one comorbidity.

The third and final phase is aimed to start in mid-April, when the vaccine would be available to everyone else in Massachusetts.

The MBTA's Commuter Rail will cut the number of trains it runs every day by more than half starting December 14, citing low ridership amid the coronavirus pandemic and low employee availability. Passengers are encouraged to check the Reduced Service Schedule in advance to plan their trip because there are changes in the weekday schedule.

Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and keeping your social distance. 

Stay safe and healthy!

‍

Hello everyone!

Here are several news items to share with you all.

ASL and JSL class registration is open. Spots are filling up fast, especially JSL, so register before time runs out!  

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop called Section 8 Housing on Friday, December 11 at 2pm.  Join us to learn what Section 8 housing is, and how to apply. Everyone is welcome. Zoom meeting ID: 918 8838 8357   Password: brainfood

COVID-19 cases have gone up across Massachusetts The following 97 communities are in the highest risk level as of Thursday: [map of communities shown on the video]

The field hospital is set to reopen at Worcester's DCU Center, and another field hospital would be established in Lowell. 

Field hospitals are in need because of a surge of coronavirus cases since Labor Day.

Governor Baker said the first coronavirus vaccines could start arriving in Massachusetts as early as this month, but it will take time to achieve widespread distribution. 

The first doses will likely be reserved for frontline health care workers, people over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions, and other essential workers. 

Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and keeping your social distance. 

Stay safe and healthy!

Transcript:

Hello Everyone!

As the Thanksgiving travel and gatherings took place over this past week, more experts are warning the Covid-19 pandemic will likely get much worse in the coming weeks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Americans to avoid travel for the holidays this year, but millions have flown since that warning. To prevent further spread of the virus, everyone who traveled and was in gatherings with people outside of their household should quarantine.

The following 81 communities are in the highest risk level as of last Friday: Attleboro, Barnstable, Bellingham, Berkley, Blackstone, Boxford, Brockton, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Dartmouth, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, East Longmeadow, Edgartown, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Hampden, Haverhill, Holyoke, Hopedale, Lancaster, Lawrence, Leicester, Lenox, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Malden, Marion, Mendon, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Millbury, Monson, New Bedford, Norfolk, Oak Bluffs, Paxton, Peabody, Rehoboth, Revere, Rutland, Salisbury, Saugus, Seekonk, Shirley, Somerset, Southbridge, Southwick, Springfield, Sterling, Sutton, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Tisbury, Tyngsborough, Upton, Uxbridge, Wenham, West Boylston, West Springfield, Westminster, Westport, Whitman, Winchendon, Woburn.

Massachusetts has removed Vermont from the list of lower-risk locations that are exempt from the order requiring travelers to fill out a form, undergo testing or quarantine. New Hampshire and Maine were removed from the list two weeks ago. Currently, the only exempt state on the map is Hawaii. 

Attention: DEAF, Inc. will have two workshops this week. Everyone is welcome!

“Holiday Stress Relief” on Thursday, December 3, at 10:30am 

Have you experienced holiday stress?

How does stress affect your physical and mental health?

Come and learn how you can relieve holiday stress 

Zoom meeting ID: 918 8838 8357 

Password: brainfood

“Scams, Identity Theft Scams, Internet Scams, Check Fraud” on Thursday, December 3, at 2pm

Join us to learn how to avoid being a victim of mail, check, and internet scams. 

Zoom meeting ID: 918 8838 8357 

Password: brainfood 

Join us for our monthly ASL social on Wednesday, December 9th at 6pm. We'll have a social room and various games. To celebrate the last social of the year, we'll be giving a couple PRIZES to game winners. ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Tuesday December 8 at 3pm EST to receive meeting ID.

Please continue wearing a mask, washing hands and keeping your social distance. 

Stay safe and healthy!

‍

‍

Hello Everyone!!

The number of Massachusetts cities and towns in the coronavirus red zone has more than doubled, rising to 62. The following 62 communities are in the highest risk level as of last Thursday: Abington, Acushnet, Attleboro, Barnstable, Blackstone, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Dartmouth, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, Edgartown, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Freetown, Hampden, Holyoke, Lancaster, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Ludlow, Lunenburg, Lynn, Malden, Marion, Methuen, Milford, Nantucket, New Bedford, Norfolk, Northbridge, Peabody, Rehoboth, Revere, Rockland, Salisbury, Saugus, Seekonk, Shirley, Somerset, Southbridge, Southwick, Springfield, Sterling, Sutton, Swansea, Taunton, Templeton, Tisbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Uxbridge, West Springfield, Westport, Winchendon, and Woburn.

With the COVID-19 pandemic surging out of control, the nation’s top public health agency (CDC) asks Americans not to travel for Thanksgiving and not to spend the holiday with people from outside their household.

Thanksgiving celebrations should be limited only to those people living in the same household. Only people who have been living in the house for the 14 days before the gathering should be considered a member of the household. That would exclude college students and members of the military who planned to go home for the holidays. 

Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.

If non-household members of the family are planning to attend your Thanksgiving gathering, the CDC recommends that attendees wear masks, social distance, wash hands often, bring their own food, drinks, plates and utensils, avoiding going in and out of areas where food is being prepared or handled, and to opt for single-use products like salad dressings and condiment packets. 

For overnight guests, the CDC recommends assessing for risk for infection, wearing masks while inside the house, improving ventilation, avoiding singing or shouting indoors, avoiding interactions with household pets, monitoring guests for symptoms, and spending time outdoors. 

MA officials continue to urge people to wear masks, socially distance, wash their hands and disinfect frequently used surfaces.

Massachusetts requires anyone above the age of 5 to wear a mask in public, expanding on a previous order that urged people to wear a mask in public if they couldn’t socially distance. It also instructs residents to stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and requires the early closure of many businesses and activities each night at 9:30 p.m., including requiring restaurants to stop table service and mandating liquor stores to stop selling alcohol. Indoor gatherings should be 10 people or less.

For 14 days before and after holiday gatherings, minimize contact with other people, and leave home only for essential services like going to work, buying groceries, and appointments with doctors.

Zoom will be lifting the 40-minute limit for all meetings globally from midnight ET on Nov. 26 through 6 a.m. ET on Nov. 27 so your family gatherings don't get cut short.

Stay healthy and safe.

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Transcript (español abajo):

Hello Everyone!

Registration is open for winter ASL and JSL classes. Deadline to register is Monday January 4, 2021. The full schedule and registration form link is here: https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-pro....

We will have our Zoom social Friday, November 20, 2020 at 6pm for trivia, bingo, and social time! ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, November 19 at 3pm EST to receive meeting ID.  

Since Labor Day, coronavirus cases are up more than 300% and COVID-19 hospitalizations are up nearly 200%, which has driven occupancy at Massachusetts hospitals up to 67% overall and to 50% at the intensive care unit level. Governor Baker and hospital officials are planning for a growing number of people with the disease, including plans for the re-establishment of emergency field hospitals.

The following 30 communities are now in the red zone for coronavirus transmission risk in Massachusetts, nearly double last week's total: Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Dighton, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Freetown, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Marion, Methuen, Milford, New Bedford, Norfolk, Plainville, Revere, Seekonk, Shirley, Somerset, Springfield, Swansea, Tisbury, Uxbridge, West Springfield and Westport.

Wearing a mask can help protect you, not just those around you, from coronavirus transmission, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in new guidance. It's a two-way street. You protect others, their mask protects you, and your mask also protects you.

The new guidance cites a number of studies showing that masks reduce the risk of transmitting or catching the virus by more than 70% in various instances. Multiple layers of washable, breathable fabric with higher thread counts have demonstrated superior performance compared to single layers of fabric with lower thread counts.

Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. The mask must fit snugly against the sides of your face.

Masks should NOT be worn by children younger than two, people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance.

Transcripción:

¡Hola a todos!

Ahora se puede inscribir para las clases de invierno de ASL y JSL. La última fecha para registrarse es el lunes 4 de enero de 2021. El calendario completo y el enlace del formulario de registro están aquí: https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-pro....

¡Tendremos nuestro Zoom Social el viernes 20 de noviembre de 2020 a las 6 p.m. para trivia, bingo y tiempo social! Los estudiantes de ASL de todos los niveles, miembros de la comunidad, sordos, hipoacusicos, sordos tardíos, sordociegos y oyentes son bienvenidos. Confirme su asistencia a ASL@deafinconline.org antes del jueves 19 de noviembre a las 3 p.m. EST para recibir la identificación de la reunión.

Desde el Día del Trabajo, los casos de coronavirus aumentaron más del 300% y las hospitalizaciones por COVID-19 aumentaron casi un 200%, lo que ha impulsado la ocupación en los hospitales de Massachusetts hasta un 67% en general y hasta un 50% en el nivel de la unidad de cuidados intensivos. El gobernador Baker y los funcionarios del hospital están planificando para un número creciente de personas con la enfermedad, incluidos planes para el restablecimiento de hospitales de de emergencia.

Las siguientes 30 comunidades se encuentran ahora en la zona roja de riesgo de transmisión del coronavirus en Massachusetts, casi el doble del total de la semana pasada: Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, Dighton, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Freetown, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Marion, Methuen, Milford, New Bedford, Norfolk, Plainville, Revere, Seekonk, Shirley, Somerset, Springfield, Swansea, Tisbury, Uxbridge, West Springfield y Westport.

Usar una máscara puede ayudar a protegerte, no solo a quienes te rodean, de la transmisión del coronavirus, dijeron los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades de EE. UU. En una nueva guía. Es una calle de doble sentido. Proteges a los demás, su máscara te protege y tu máscara también te protege a ti.

La nueva guía cita una serie de estudios que muestran que las máscaras reducen el riesgo de transmitir o contraer el virus en más del 70% en varios casos. Varias capas de tejido lavable y transpirable con mayor número de hilos han demostrado un rendimiento superior en comparación con capas individuales de tejido con menor número de hilos.

Use la máscara sobre su nariz y boca y asegúrela debajo de su barbilla. La máscara debe ajustarse cómodamente a los lados de su cara.

Las máscaras NO deben ser usadas por niños menores de dos años, personas que tienen problemas para respirar o personas que no pueden quitarse la máscara sin ayuda.

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Transcript:

Hello Everyone!

A 3.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the southeast coast of Massachusetts last Sunday morning. There were reports of people feeling the earthquake from New Bedford up to Framingham and as far as Gloucester. Residents of Rhode Island, Connecticut and even New Hampshire also reported feeling the earthquake. Did you feel it too? If you see any signs of cracking, or certainly crumbling, of your chimney, in the basement, or anywhere in your house, you should look up on your roof and check out your chimney. Anyone who is in need of assistance can contact the Red Cross of Massachusetts by calling 1-800-564-1234.

The Department of Public Health has categorized communities into four color groups — gray, green, yellow and red — based primarily on the average daily rate of new virus cases per 100,000 people over a two-week period. Under the new criteria, the weekly map will begin to take population size into account. With last Friday's data release, the following 16 communities are in the red category: Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Methuen, New Bedford, Norfolk, Revere, Seekonk, Somerset, Springfield and Westport.

Massachusetts has removed California from the lower-risk travel list. Currently, the lower-risk locations list includes: Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Washington state and Washington, D.C.

In response to the surging number of COVID-19 cases, new executive orders issued by Governor Baker took effect last Friday that the MBTA is imposing $300 for any rider not wearing a mask. Masks are required for anyone over the age of 5 who is using public transportation. Mask use by children two years of age and up to the age of 5 is encouraged but also at the discretion of the child’s parent. People not wearing a mask will first be reminded of the requirement. If the unmasked person does not immediately put on a mask following the reminder, the observation will be reported to Transit Police.

Baker’s orders include a change to the statewide mask rule. Masks will be required for anyone in any public space, indoor or outdoor, regardless of the ability to maintain social distancing.

Along with the new rules regarding face masks, the Baker administration is asking MA residents to stay home from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. and limit outdoor gatherings from 50 to 25 and indoor gatherings from 25 to 10.

Stay safe and healthy.

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Transcript (español abajo):

Hello Everyone!
We have got some exciting news to share: DEAF, Inc. now has a new big office in the Southeast! The office is located at 888 Purchase St, Bay 1 in New Bedford and is located just about two blocks from the former New Bedford location. If you need in-person service, please contact DEAF, Inc. to make an appointment.

DEAF, Inc. has added a new Japanese Sign Language (JSL) class to the winter registration with other ASL classes. So exciting! Go to the website and sign up.

Attention: DEAF, Inc. will host another job fair on Zoom on Monday, November 9 at 3-5pm. We have several available positions. Watch the vlog from DEAF, Inc. Human Resources about the job fair with the zoom info. Please share with your community and networks to spread the word. We look forward to meeting many potential candidates!

Mayor Walsh is asking all Boston residents to get tested for the new coronavirus.

According to new state data this week, the number of "high-risk" Massachusetts communities on the latest COVID-19 map has grown to 121, from 77, an increase of 44 from last week. That means more than one-third of the state's 351 communities are in the map's red zone.

Abington, Acushnet, Agawam, Ashland, Athol, Attleboro, Avon, Bedford, Bellingham, Berkley, Beverly, Billerica, Blandford, Bolton, Boston , Boxford , Braintree, Bridgewater*, Brimfield, Brockton, Buckland, Canton , Chelmsford*, Chelsea , Chicopee, Clinton , Cohasset, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham , Dighton, Dover, Dracut, East Brdgewater, East Longmeadow, Everett, Fairhaven*, Fall River, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Gloucester, Granby, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hubbardston, Hudson, Kingston*, Lakeville, Lawrence, Leicester, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Mansfield, Marlborough, Marshfield, Medford, Mendon, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Nahant, Nantucket, New Bedford, Newburyport, North Andover*, North Attleborough, Northborough, Norton, Norwood, Palmer, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Raynham, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Salisbury, Saugus, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Somerset*, Southborough, Springfield, Swansea, Taunton, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Waltham, Wareham, Webster, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Springfield, Westborough, Westfield, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilmington, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester and Wrentham.

Please continue wearing a mask and maintain social distancing. Stay safe and healthy.

¡Hola a todos!

Tenemos algunas noticias interesantes para compartir: ¡DEAF, Inc. ahora tiene una nueva gran oficina en el sureste! La oficina está ubicada en 888 Purchase St, Bay 1 en New Bedford y está ubicada a solo dos cuadras de la antigua ubicación de New Bedford. Si necesita servicio en persona, comuníquese con DEAF, Inc. para programar una cita.

DEAF, Inc. ha agregado una nueva clase de lenguaje de señas japonés (JSL) al registro de invierno con otras clases de ASL. ¡Qué emocionante! Vaya al sitio web y regístrese.

Atención: DEAF, Inc. organizará otra feria de empleo en Zoom el lunes 9 de noviembre a las 3-5 pm. Tenemos varios puestos disponibles. Mire el vlog de Recursos Humanos de DEAF, Inc. sobre la feria de trabajo con la información de zoom. Comparta con su comunidad y redes para correr la voz. ¡Esperamos conocer a muchos candidatos potenciales!

El alcalde Walsh está pidiendo a todos los residentes de Boston que se hagan la prueba del nuevo coronavirus.

Según los nuevos datos estatales esta semana, el número de comunidades de Massachusetts de "alto riesgo" en el último mapa COVID-19 ha aumentado a 121, desde 77, un aumento de 44 desde la semana pasada. Eso significa que más de un tercio de las 351 comunidades del estado se encuentran en la zona roja del mapa.

Abington, Acushnet, Agawam, Ashland, Athol, Attleboro, Avon, Bedford, Bellingham, Berkley, Beverly, Billerica, Blandford, Bolton, Boston , Boxford , Braintree, Bridgewater*, Brimfield, Brockton, Buckland, Canton , Chelmsford*, Chelsea , Chicopee, Clinton , Cohasset, Danvers, Dartmouth, Dedham , Dighton, Dover, Dracut, East Brdgewater, East Longmeadow, Everett, Fairhaven*, Fall River, Fitchburg, Foxborough, Framingham, Freetown, Gardner, Georgetown, Gloucester, Granby, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hubbardston, Hudson, Kingston*, Lakeville, Lawrence, Leicester, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Mansfield, Marlborough, Marshfield, Medford, Mendon, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Nahant, Nantucket, New Bedford, Newburyport, North Andover*, North Attleborough, Northborough, Norton, Norwood, Palmer, Peabody, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Raynham, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Salisbury, Saugus, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Somerset*, Southborough, Springfield, Swansea, Taunton, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Waltham, Wareham, Webster, West Boylston, West Bridgewater, West Springfield, Westborough, Westfield, Westport, Westwood, Weymouth, Whitman, Wilmington, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester y Wrentham.

Continúen usando máscaras y manteniendo el distanciamiento social. Manténganse sanos y salvos

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Hello Everyone!

Registration is open for winter ASL classes which start in January. Check the DEAF, Inc. website. Deadline to register is Monday January 4, 2021. The full schedule and registration form link is here: https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-pro....

We will have a Halloween ASL social coming up on October 30 at 6pm: games, bingo, Halloween storytelling, and a social room. ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! https://www.facebook.com/events/34329...

DEAF, Inc. will host a workshop called “Do you want to learn about Budgeting/Pay online Billing during COVID?” Learn how to pay your bills online. Learn how to shop online. Learn about Budgeting. How to create forms for budgeting?

When: 11/5/2020 Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm Where: Zoom. Contact DEAF, Inc. Front Desk to get Zoom information: 617-505-4823 or frontdesk@deafinconline.org

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Independent Living Services (DHILS) will host a workshop called “Present HIV & safer sex stories”, provided by Dr. Michael Argenyi and Bryan Horch with a collaboration with Department of Public Health (DPH). Date: Friday, November 6, 2020  

Time: 1:30pm to 3:30pm. What is HIV? What is AIDS? How do I protect myself? And more...

Please rsvp by November 4th https://forms.gle/f3vW9d17NZ4ME3t99 to send you the zoom link. For Questions contact DEAF, Inc. front desk at frontdesk@deafinconline.org or (617) 505-4823 (VP).

Halloween celebrations in Massachusetts could look a lot different from community to community amid the coronavirus pandemic. Most cities and towns have completely canceled door-to-door trick-or-treating. Other communities are leaving it up to the residents to decide if they want to participate. CDC offers the following safe activities to help protect individuals and their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19.  

• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them

• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends

• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space

• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance

• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest

• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with

• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

Regarding the state travel update, it was recently announced that three additional states, California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Washington are now exempt and are lower risk states.  This is due to a decrease in positive COVID-19 cases in those states. The current lower risk locations now are as follows: California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont and Washington.

According to new state data this week, Massachusetts is considered high risk overall with 77 communities identified as coronavirus hot spots: Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Attleboro, Avon, Berkley, Boston, Boxford, Brockton, Buckland, Canton, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Chicopee, Clinton, East Longmeadow, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Framingham, Gloucester, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Hingham, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Kingston, Lawrence, Leicester, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Marlborough, Marshfield, Mattapoisett, Methuen, Middleborough, Middleton, Milford, Millville, Milton, Monson, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Norwood, Oxford, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Raynham, Revere, Rochester, Rockland, Saugus, Scituate, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Somerset, Somerville, Springfield, Swampscott, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Waltham, Webster, West Bridgewater, West Newbury, Westfield, Westport, Weymouth, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham.

Please continue wearing a mask and maintain social distancing. Stay safe and healthy.

Transcript (español abajo):

Hello Everyone!

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop called “Coronavirus vs. the Flu. What’s the Difference?” on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 2-3:30pm.

Do you know the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

Do you know how to prevent getting COVID-19 and the flu?

Do you know the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu?

Come and learn with us!

Zoom meeting ID: 918 8838 8357

Passcode: brainfood

According to new state data this week, Massachusetts is considered high risk overall with 63 communities identified as coronavirus hot spots:

Abington, Acushnet, Amherst,  Attleboro, Auburn, Berkley, Boston, Brockton, Canton, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Dartmouth,  East Bridgewater, East Longmeadow,  Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Framingham, Hanover, Hanson, Haverhill, Hingham, Holbrook, Holliston, Holyoke, Hudson, Kingston,  Lawrence, Leicester, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Marlborough, Marshfield, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Milton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Oxford, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Revere, Rockland, Saugus, Shrewsbury, Somerville, Southborough, Springfield, Sunderland, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Waltham, Webster, West Newbury, Weymouth, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester.

Scientists recently confirmed that a Nevada man was found to have been infected twice with COVID-19. It is the first confirmed case of coronavirus reinfection in the U.S. Four other cases have been found worldwide. It means that reinfection can happen. So if you have fully recovered from the virus, you should continue following social distancing guidelines including face masks and washing their hands.

This week Governor Baker urged residents to continue to practice coronavirus safety measures as cooler weather settles in and residents begin spending more time inside.

Did you know that you can track your ballot after you fill out your ballot and put it back in the mail or in an official drop-box? You'll need to register through the state's voter website to be able to track your ballot. You will also have to enter some basic information into the website, including your name, birthday and zip code. Voting by mail deadline in Massachusetts is October 28th. If you have not voted, go vote now. Here is the website link to track your ballot.

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoiv...

Stay healthy and safe!

Transcripción:

¡Hola a todos!

DEAF, Inc. tendrá un taller llamado “Coronavirus contra la gripe. ¿Cual es la diferencia?" el martes 20 de octubre de 2020, 2-3: 30pm.

¿Conoce la diferencia entre COVID-19 y la gripe?

¿Sabe cómo prevenir contraer COVID-19 y la gripe?

¿Conoce los síntomas del COVID-19 y la gripe?

¡Ven y aprende con nosotros!

ID de reunión de Zoom: 918 8838 8357

Código de acceso: brainfood

Según los nuevos datos estatales de esta semana, Massachusetts se considera de alto riesgo en general con 63 comunidades identificadas como áreas de alto riesgo de coronavirus:

Abington, Acushnet, Amherst, Attleboro, Auburn, Berkley, Boston, Brockton, Cantón, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Dartmouth, East Bridgewater, East Longmeadow, Everett, Fairhaven, Fall River, Framingham, Hannover, Hanson, Haverhill, Hingham, Holbrook, Holliston Holyoke, Hudson, Kingston, Lawrence, Leicester, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Marlborough, Marshfield, Methuen, Middleton, Milford, Milton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Oxford, Pembroke, Plymouth, Randolph, Revere, Rockland , Saugus, Shrewsbury, Somerville, Southborough, Springfield, Sunderland, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Waltham, Webster, West Newbury, Weymouth, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester.

Los científicos confirmaron recientemente que se descubrió que un hombre de Nevada se había infectado dos veces con COVID-19. Es el primer caso confirmado de reinfección por coronavirus en los Estados Unidos. Se han encontrado otros cuatro casos en todo el mundo. Significa que puede ocurrir una reinfección. Entonces, si se ha recuperado completamente del virus, debe continuar siguiendo las pautas de distanciamiento social que incluyen máscaras faciales y lavarse las manos.

Esta semana, el gobernador Baker instó a los residentes a seguir practicando las medidas de seguridad contra el coronavirus a medida que se instala el clima más fresco y los residentes comienzan a pasar más tiempo adentro.

¿Sabía que puede realizar un seguimiento de su boleta después de completar su boleta y devolverla por correo o en un buzón oficial? Deberá registrarse a través del sitio web de votantes del estado para poder rastrear su boleta. También tendrá que ingresar información básica en el sitio web, incluido su nombre, fecha de nacimiento y código postal. La fecha límite para votar por correo en Massachusetts es el 28 de octubre. Si no ha votado, vaya a votar ahora. Aquí está el enlace del sitio web para rastrear su boleta.

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoiv...

¡Manténgnase sanos y seguros!

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Hello Everyone!

Attention: DEAF, Inc. will host a job fair on Zoom on Wednesday, October 14 at 4-6pm. We have several available positions. Watch the vlog from DEAF, Inc. Human Resources about the job fair with the zoom info. Please share with your community and networks to spread the word.  We look forward to meeting many potential candidates!

Last week Executive Director Sharon Applegate announced in her vlog that we will continue to stay in Phase 2. DEAF, Inc. offices remain open on two days a week by appointment only through December 2020. DEAF, Inc. wants to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone. We are still available to provide both remote and in-person services. If you need service, contact DEAF, Inc. by VP, email, phone, or our website contact form.

Massachusetts has removed another four states New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington and Colorado from its list of lower-risk locations that do not require travelers to fill out a form, undergo testing or quarantine. Currently, the lower-risk locations list includes: Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington, D.C.

According to new state data this week, 17 new cities and towns were added to Mass. list of high risk COVID-19 communities. A total of 40 cities/towns in the Red category: Acushnet, Amherst,  Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Brockton, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Dartmouth,  Dracut, Dudley,  Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Hudson, Kingston,  Lawrence, Leicester, Lowell, Lynn, Malden,  Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Plymouth, Randolph, Revere, Southborough, Southbridge, Springfield, Sunderland, Waltham, Webster, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester.

Please continue wearing a mask and maintain social distancing!

The city of Boston has more than doubled the amount of grant money that is used to help low-incomed seniors stay warm in the winter. The Seniors Save program now provides grants up to $8,000 to help eligible seniors replace faulty heating systems. To learn more about the Seniors Save program, Boston residents can call 617-635-HOME.

Stay safe and healthy!

**********************

¡Hola a todos!

Atención: DEAF, Inc. organizará una feria de empleo en Zoom el miércoles 14 de octubre de 4 a 6 pm. Tenemos varios puestos disponibles. Mire el vlog de Recursos Humanos de DEAF, Inc. sobre la feria de trabajo con la información de zoom. Comparta con su comunidad y redes para correr la voz. ¡Esperamos conocer a muchos candidatos potenciales!

La semana pasada, la directora ejecutiva Sharon Applegate anunció en su vlog que continuaremos en la Fase 2. Las oficinas de DEAF, Inc. permanecerán abiertas dos días a la semana, solo con cita previa, hasta diciembre de 2020. DEAF, Inc. quiere garantizar un ambiente seguro y saludable. Todavía estamos disponibles para dar servicios remotos y en persona. Si necesita servicio, comuníquese con DEAF, Inc. por VP, correo electrónico, teléfono o formulario de contacto de nuestro sitio web.

Massachusetts eliminó otros cuatro estados, Nueva Jersey, Nuevo México, Washington y Colorado de su lista de ubicaciones de menor riesgo que no requieren que los viajeros completen un formulario, se sometan a pruebas o se pongan en cuarentena. Actualmente, la lista de ubicaciones de menor riesgo incluye: Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Nueva York, Vermont y Washington, D.C.

Según los nuevos datos estatales esta semana, se agregaron 17 nuevas ciudades y pueblos a la lista de Massachusetts de comunidades de alto riesgo de COVID-19. Un total de 40 ciudades / pueblos en la categoría Roja: Acushnet, Amherst, Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Brockton, Chelmsford, Chelsea, Dartmouth, Dracut, Dudley, Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Hudson, Kingston, Lawrence, Leicester, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Plymouth, Randolph, Revere, Southborough, Southbridge, Springfield, Sunderland, Waltham, Webster, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester.

¡Continúen usando máscara y manteniendo el distanciamiento social!

La ciudad de Boston ha más que duplicado la cantidad de dinero que se utiliza para ayudar a las personas mayores de edad de bajos ingresos a mantenerse en una temperatura cómoda en invierno. El programa “Seniors Save” ahora ofrece subvenciones de hasta $ 8,000 para ayudar a las personas mayores de edad elegibles a reemplazar los sistemas de calefacción defectuosos. Para obtener más información sobre el programa Seniors Save, los residentes de Boston pueden llamar al 617-635-HOME.

¡Manténganse sanos y salvos!

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DEAF, Inc. will host a job fair on Zoom, October 14, 4-6pm.

Talk with our incredible team to learn about what it’s like to work at DEAF, Inc.  Ask about:

Benefits

Workplace Culture

Qualifications

And more

Zoom

ID: 915 2152 8576

Password: Jobs

Meeting conducted primarily in ASL

email athompson@deafinconline.org for questions or accommodation requests

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Hello Everyone!

We had the first debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden for the 2020 election that was streamed live in ASL provided by DPAN.tv. If you have not seen it, go check DPAN.tv on their Facebook and website to watch the recent and upcoming debates in ASL.

https://www.facebook.com/DPANTV/video...

The upcoming debates are as follows:

Vice President Debate on October 7th

2nd Presidential Debate on October 15th

3rd Presidential Debate on October 22nd

According to new state data this week, several communities have moved into the highest risk category based on the rate of COVID-19 spread. There are now 23 cities or towns in the Red category. Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Chelsea, Dracut, Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holliston, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Revere, Springfield, Winthrop, Worcester.

Please continue wearing a mask and maintain social distancing!

Governor Baker announced that part two of phase three in the state's reopening plan will begin in “lower risk communities” on Monday, October 5th. Outdoor and indoor performance venues can operate at 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. Gyms, museums and libraries can also increase to 50%. Fitting rooms will be allowed in retail stores. Lower risk communities are defined as those that have not been in the red category for at least three weeks on the state's weekly map of COVID-19 spread.

Boston Mayor Walsh announced that the city is moving into the red category and will not move into part two of phase three in the state's reopening plan.

The City of Boston informed that the plastic bag ban, which was temporarily halted during the coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts, was set to require customers to use reusable bags or pay a fee for a bag starting Wednesday, October 1st.

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2020

10:00 am to 11:00 am. It’s called “Why must we still wear the masks?” Stop the Spread of the Coronavirus, Protect Yourself, Protect Others.

Email: frontdesk@deafinconline.org

Zoom: Meeting ID: 918 8838 8357 Passcode: brainfood

https://zoom.us/j/91888388357?pwd=N2k...

Stay healthy and safe!

Transcripción:

¡Hola a todos!

Tuvimos el primer debate entre el presidente Donald Trump y el exvicepresidente Joe Biden para las elecciones de 2020 que se transmitió en vivo en ASL proporcionado por DPAN.tv. Si no la ha visto, visite DPAN.tv en su Facebook o sitio web para ver los debates recientes y futuros en ASL.

https://www.facebook.com/DPANTV/video...

Los próximos debates son los siguientes:

Debate de Vicepresidente el 7 de octubre

Segundo Debate Presidencial el 15 de octubre

Tercero Debate Presidencial el 22 de octubre

Según nuevos datos estatales esta semana, varias comunidades se han movido a la categoría de mayor riesgo según la tasa de propagación de COVID-19. Ahora hay 23 ciudades o pueblos en la categoría Roja. Attleboro, Avon, Boston, Chelsea, Dracut, Everett, Framingham, Haverhill, Holliston, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marlborough, Methuen, Middleton, Nantucket, New Bedford, North Andover, Revere, Springfield, Winthrop, Worcester.

¡Continúen usando una máscara y manteniendo el distanciamiento social!

El gobernador Baker anunció que el lunes, 5 de octubre, la segunda parte de la fase tres del plan de reapertura del estado comenzará en "comunidades de menor riesgo". Los lugares de teatro al aire libre y bajo techo pueden funcionar al 50% de su capacidad con un máximo de 250 personas. Los gimnasios, museos y bibliotecas también pueden aumentar al 50% capacidad. También se permitirán probadores en las tiendas. Las comunidades de menor riesgo se definen como aquellas que no han estado en la categoría roja durante al menos tres semanas en el mapa semanal del estado de propagación de COVID-19.

El alcalde de Boston, Walsh, anunció que la ciudad pasará a la categoría roja y no pasará a la segunda parte de la fase tres en el plan de reapertura del estado por ahora.

La ciudad de Boston informó que la prohibición de las bolsas de plástico, que se detuvo temporalmente durante el brote de coronavirus en Massachusetts, va a recomenzar el 1 de octubre. Va a requerir que los clientes usen bolsas reutilizables o paguen por una bolsa a partir del miércoles 1 de octubre.

DEAF, Inc. tiene un taller programado para el jueves 8 de octubre de 2020, 10:00 am a 11:00 am. Se llama "¿Por qué todavía debemos usar las máscaras?" Detengan la propagación del coronavirus, protéjanse, y protejan a los demás.

email: frontdesk@deafinconline.org

Zoom: ID de reunión: 918 8838 8357 Password: brainfood

https://zoom.us/j/91888388357?pwd=N2k...

¡Manténganse sanos y seguros!

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Hello Everyone!

A friendly reminder: We will have our Zoom social this Friday, September 25 at 6pm for trivia, bingo, and social time! ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, September 24 at 3pm EST to receive meeting ID.  

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop called “Choosing a Political Party”

When: September 30, 2020, 1:30 - 2:30pm

Contact frontdesk@deafinconline.org or 617-505-4823 to get the Zoom ID.

According to new state data this week, several communities have moved into the highest risk category based on the rate of COVID-19 spread. There are now 15 cities or towns in the Red category.

Chelsea, Everett, Framingham, Holliston, Lawrence, Lynn, Marlborough, Nantucket, New Bedford, Revere, Saugus, Tyngsborough, Winthrop, Worcester, Wrentham.

Please continue wearing a mask and maintain social distancing!

Free COVID-19 testing has been extended through October 31 in Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Springfield, Winthrop and Worcester. All residents of these 18 communities, including asymptomatic individuals, are urged to get tested at one of these locations.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that the exit renumbering project will begin in October, with current exit numbers on most highways in Massachusetts switching to mileage-based exit numbers to comply with federal highway mandates, which require mile-based exit signs. For example, commute to Copley Square in downtown Boston. It will soon be Exit 133 on the Massachusetts Turnpike instead of Exit 22. Construction is anticipated to end in the summer of 2021.

Stay safe and healthy!

¡Hola a todos!

Recuérdense, tendremos nuestro social en Zoom este viernes 25 de septiembre a las 6 pm para trivia, bingo y tiempo social. Los estudiantes de ASL de todos los niveles, miembros de la comunidad, sordos, Hipoacúsicos, sordos tardíos, sordociegos y oyentes son bienvenidos. Confirme su asistencia a ASL@deafinconline.org antes del jueves 24 de septiembre a las 3 p.m. EST para recibir la información de Zoom.

DEAF, Inc. tendrá una clase llamada "Elección de un partido político"

Cuándo: 30 de septiembre de 2020, 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Póngase en contacto con frontdesk@deafinconline.org o 617-505-4823 para obtener el ID de Zoom.

Según nuevos datos estatales esta semana, varias comunidades se han movido a la categoría de mayor riesgo según la tasa de propagación de COVID-19. Ahora hay 15 ciudades o pueblos en la categoría Roja.

Chelsea, Everett, Framingham, Holliston, Lawrence, Lynn, Marlborough, Nantucket, New Bedford, Revere, Saugus, Tyngsborough, Winthrop, Worcester, Wrentham.

¡Continúen usando una máscara y mantener el distanciamiento social!

Las pruebas de COVID-19 gratuitas se extendieron hasta el 31 de octubre en Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Salem, Saugus, Springfield, Winthrop y Worcester. Se insta a todos los residentes de estas 18 comunidades, incluidas las personas asintomáticas, a hacerse la prueba en uno de estos lugares.

El Departamento de Transporte de Massachusetts (MassDOT) anunció que el proyecto de renumeración de salidas comenzará en octubre, con los números de salida actuales en la mayoría de las autopistas de Massachusetts cambiando a números basados en millas para cumplir con los mandatos federales, que requieren eso. Por ejemplo, viajar a Copley Square en el centro de Boston pronto será la Salida 133 en la autopista Massachusetts Turnpike en lugar de la Salida 22. Se prevé que la construcción finalizará en el verano de 2021.

¡Manténganse sanos y salvos!

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Hello Everyone!

Join us for our monthly Zoom social scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2020 at

6-8pm! This month we will feature three different breakout rooms: Trivia Room, Bingo Room, and Social Room. ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, September 24 at 3pm EST to receive meeting ID.

DEAF, Inc. will have two workshops scheduled for next week.

Tuesday, September 15 at 1:15pm “All about utilities”

Learn how to read your bills, learn how you can save money and how to budget.

What to do if you are behind on payments. Power outage in your area?

What to do if you smell gas?

We will also present about the voting process and different ways to vote on Wednesday, September 16 at 3:15pm. Voting resources for Deaf/Hard of Hearing community will be shared. Contact DEAF, Inc. Front Desk to get Zoom information: 617-505-4823 or frontdesk@deafinconline.org

Massachusetts has added three states to a list of lower-risk states exempt from the governor's travel order. Travelers coming from Washington State, Oregon and Wyoming are no longer subject to quarantine restrictions.

According to new state data this week, several communities have moved into the highest risk category based on the rate of COVID-19 spread. There are now 13 cities or towns in the Red category.

Chatham, Chelsea, Dedham, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Methuen, Monson, New Bedford, Revere, Winthrop.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachu...

Please continue wearing a mask and maintain social distancing! Stay safe and healthy!

Transcripción:

¡Hola a todos!

Ven a nuestro Zoom social del mes programado para el viernes 25 de septiembre de 2020 a 6-8pm! Este mes tendremos tres grupos diferentes: Sala de trivia, Sala de bingo y Sala social. Los estudiantes de ASL de todos los niveles y todos los miembros de la comunidad sorda son bienvenidos. Confirme su asistencia a ASL@deafinconline.org antes del jueves 24 de septiembre a las 3 p.m. EST para recibir la información de la reunión.

DEAF, Inc. tiene dos clases programadas para la próxima semana.

Martes 15 de septiembre a la 1:15 p. M. "Todo sobre servicios públicos" Aprenda a leer sus facturas, aprenda cómo puede ahorrar dinero y cómo hacer un presupuesto. Qué hacer si está atrasado en los pagos. ¿Corte de energía en su área? ¿Qué hacer si huele a gas?

También presentaremos sobre el proceso de votación y las diferentes formas de votar el miércoles 16 de septiembre a las 3:15 pm. Se compartirán los recursos de votación para la comunidad de personas Sordas o Hipoacúsicas. Comuníquese con la recepción de DEAF, Inc. para obtener información sobre Zoom: 617-505-4823 o frontdesk@deafinconline.org

Massachusetts ha agregado tres estados a la lista de estados de menor riesgo exentos de la orden de viaje del gobernador. Los viajeros que vienen del estado de Washington, Oregon y Wyoming ya no están sujetos a restricciones de cuarentena.

Según nuevos datos estatales esta semana, varias comunidades se han movido a la categoría de mayor riesgo según la tasa de propagación de COVID-19. Ahora hay 13 ciudades o pueblos en la categoría Roja.

Chatham, Chelsea, Dedham, Everett, Framingham, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Methuen, Monson, New Bedford, Revere, Winthrop.

https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachu...

¡Continúe usando una máscara y mantenga el distanciamiento social! ¡Manténganse sano y salvo!

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Transcript (English and Spanish):

Hello Everyone!

Due to popular demand, DEAF, Inc. has added a third ASL 1 class. Exciting news, CEU for the RSL class this fall has been approved by RID. Contact Sofia at asl@deafinconline.org with questions. Spots are filling up fast, register before time runs out!

https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-pro....

DEAF, Inc. will have a workshop via Zoom next week.

Mastering Face Masks and Hearing Loss:

Practical Tips and Strategies

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

2:00PM to 3:00PM

Contact us for more zoom info

Regarding the travel order update, the governor recently announced that Colorado, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are now exempt and are lower risk states.  This is due to a decrease in positive COVID-19 cases in those states. The current lower risk states also include Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont.

This week the current RED (COVID-19 related high risk) towns are: Lawrence, Lynn, Brockton, Revere, Everett, Chelsea, Winthrop, Framingham, Sutton.

Continue to wear a mask and maintain 6-foot social distance.

Enjoy the long Labor Day weekend. Stay safe and healthy.

¡Hola a todos!

Debido a la demanda popular, DEAF, Inc. ha agregado una tercera clase de ASL 1. Buenas noticias, CEUs para la clase de RSL de este otoño han sido aprobado por RID. Comuníquese con Sofía en asl@deafinconline.org si tiene preguntas. La clase se está llenando rápido, ¡regístrense antes de que se acabe el tiempo!

https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-pro....

DEAF, Inc. tendrá un taller a través de Zoom la semana que viene.

Dominar las mascarillas faciales y la dificultad auditiva:

Consejos prácticos y estrategias

Miércoles, 9 de septiembre de 2020

2:00 p.m. a 3:00 p.m.

Contáctenos para más información de zoom

Con respecto a la actualización de la orden de viaje, el gobernador anunció recientemente que Colorado, Delaware, Pensilvania y West Virginia ahora están exentos y son estados de menor riesgo. Esto se debe a una disminución en los casos positivos de COVID-19 en esos estados. Los estados actuales de menor riesgo también incluyen Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York y Vermont.

Esta semana, las ciudades RED (alto riesgo relacionadas con COVID-19) actuales son: Lawrence, Lynn, Brockton, Revere, Everett, Chelsea, Winthrop, Framingham, Sutton.

Continúe usando una máscara y mantenga una distancia social de 3 metros.

Disfrute del largo fin de semana de Labor Day. Manténganse sanos y a salvo.

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Hello Everyone!

DEAF, Inc. will offer two Zoom workshops.

The first is “ADA Rights”

Interested in learning about your ADA Rights?

This is a two part Zoom Workshop.

Part 1 was on Wednesday, August 26th 1:30-2:30pm

Part 2 is on Wednesday, September 2nd 1:30-2:30 pm

The second workshop is “Nutrition Talk”

How can you make your meals healthier?

Happening on Tuesday, September 1, 2020

10:00am to 11:30am

We will share healthy recipes, and you can bring your own to share.

And we will play a Trivia game!

Interested? Please contact the front desk at Frontdesk@deafinconline.org or call 617-505-4823 to get the Zoom ID number and password.

Massachusetts will have the annual tax-free sales this weekend on August 29 and 30. Retail items of up to $2,500 for personal use on these two days, will be exempt from sales tax. Remember to wear a mask while out shopping.

Stay safe and healthy!

¡Hola a todos!

DEAF, Inc. ofrecerá dos clases en Zoom

El primero es "Derechos de ADA"

¿Está interesado en conocer sus derechos proporcionados por la ADA?

Este es una clase de Zoom de dos partes.

La parte 1 fue el miércoles 26 de agosto 1:30-2:30pm

La parte 2 es el miércoles 2 de septiembre 1:30-2:30 pm

La segunda clase es "Charla sobre nutrición"

¿Cómo puede hacer que sus comidas sean más saludables?

Sucediendo el martes 1 de septiembre de 2020

10:00 am a 11:30 am

Compartiremos recetas saludables y usted puede traer las suyas para compartir.

¡Y jugaremos un juego de Trivia!

¿Interesado? Comuníquese con la recepción a Frontdesk@deafinconline.org o llame al 617-505-4823 para obtener el número de identificación de Zoom y la contraseña.

Massachusetts tendrá las ventas anuales libres de impuestos este fin de semana el 29 y 30 de agosto. Los artículos minoristas de hasta $ 2,500 para uso personal en estos dos días estarán exentos del impuesto sobre las ventas. Recuerde usar una máscara cuando salga de compras.

¡Manténgase sano y salvo!

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Hello Everyone!

Governor Baker recently released a map showing the Massachusetts communities with the highest rate of new COVID-19 cases. It’s important that you open the following link to check your town name. Pin colors are based on change in the positivity rate relative to last week's data; towns with increases are red, towns with decreases are green, and those reporting no change are yellow.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/vie...

It was recently announced that Hawaii is no longer considered a lower risk state. This is due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in Hawaii.  People traveling from Hawaii to Massachusetts will have to quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result beginning last Friday. Lower-risk states, which include Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont, are not required to fill out a travel form or quarantine.

Gov. Charlie Baker on Tuesday announced that Massachusetts is adding three new communities, Saugus, Salem, and Holyoke for free testing.

DEAF, Inc. will host our monthly ASL Zoom social on Friday, August 28 at 6pm-8pm. ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, August 27, 3pm EST to receive meeting ID.

Stay safe and healthy!

Transcripción:

¡Hola a todos!

El gobernador Baker publicó recientemente un mapa que muestra las comunidades de Massachusetts con la tasa más alta de casos nuevos de COVID-19. Es importante que abra el siguiente link para buscar el nombre de su ciudad. Los colores de los pines se basan en el cambio en la tasa de positividad en relación con los datos de la semana pasada; las ciudades con aumentos son rojas, las ciudades con disminuciones son verdes y las que informan que no ha habido cambios son amarillas.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/vie...

Recientemente se anunció que Hawái ya no se considera un estado de menor riesgo. Esto se debe a un aumento de casos positivos de COVID-19 en Hawái. Las personas que viajen de Hawái a Massachusetts tendrán que ponerse en cuarentena durante 14 días o producir un resultado negativo de la prueba COVID-19 a partir del viernes pasado. Los estados de menor riesgo, que incluyen Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York y Vermont, no están obligados a completar un formulario de viaje o hacer cuarentena.

El gobernador Charlie Baker anunció el martes que Massachusetts agregará tres nuevas comunidades, Saugus, Salem y Holyoke donde ofrecer pruebas de COVID-19 gratuitas.

DEAF, Inc. será el anfitrión de nuestro ASL Zoom social mensual el viernes 28 de agosto de 6 pm a 8 pm. Los estudiantes de ASL de todos los niveles, y miembros de la comunidad son bienvenidos. Confirme su asistencia a ASL@deafinconline.org antes del jueves 27 de agosto a las 3 p.m. EST para recibir la información para atender la reunión.

¡Manténganse sanos y salvos!

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Here are some updates.

Captions available in English and Spanish

(Also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrp3ZP8W46s)

Transcript in English and Spanish:

Hi Everyone! Here is some important info to share with all of you.

Governor Baker signed an updated gatherings order, effective Tuesday, August 11, which will:

• Reduce the limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 people (indoor gatherings limit will remain at 25 people)

• Apply these limits to all types of gatherings, on both public and private property

• Require face coverings where more than 10 people from different households will be mixing.

Baker authorized all state and local police to enforce the order and said the hosts of events that violate the orders will be subject to fines of up to $500.

Governor Baker just announced that free COVID-19 testing in 17 communities has been extended through September 12.

Due to the recent increase in positive cases, step two of phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan has been postponed indefinitely.

Governor Baker extended the Eviction Moratorium until October 17, 2020. This means your landlord CAN’T:

• File for eviction (“summary process”) in court.

• Send you ANY notice stopping your lease or demand that you leave.

Your landlord CAN:

• Send other notices including a statement of how much you owe.

According to a new study, COVID-19 rates are significantly higher among minority children and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The study of 1,000 patients tested at a Children’s National COVID-19 testing site in Washington D.C. found that just 7.3% of White children tested positive for coronavirus, in contrast to 30% of Black children and 46.4% of Hispanic children.

Wear a mask! Stay safe and healthy!

¡Hola a todos! Aquí hay información importante para compartir con todos ustedes.

El gobernador Baker firmó un orden actualizado de reuniones, vigente a partir del martes 11 de agosto, que:

• Reduce el límite de reuniones al aire libre de 100 a 50 personas (el límite de reuniones en interiores se mantendrá en 25 personas)

• Aplica estos límites a todo tipo de reuniones, tanto en propiedad pública como privada.

• Requiere el uso de máscaras donde se mezclan más de 10 personas de diferentes hogares.

Baker autorizó a toda la policía estatal y local a enforzar la orden y dijo que los anfitriones de eventos que violen las órdenes estarán sujetos a multas de hasta $ 500.

El gobernador Baker acaba de anunciar que las pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 en las 17 comunidades se han extendido hasta el 12 de septiembre.

Debido al reciente aumento de casos positivos, el segundo paso de la fase III del plan de reapertura del Commonwealth se ha pospuesto indefinidamente.

El gobernador Baker extendió la Moratoria de Desalojo hasta el 17 de octubre de 2020. Esto significa que su arrendador NO PUEDE:

• Solicitar el desalojo ("proceso sumario") en la corte.

• Enviarle CUALQUIER aviso para detener su contrato de arrendamiento o exigirle que se vaya.

Su arrendador PUEDE:

• Envíar otros avisos, incluido un estado de cuenta de cuánto debe.

Según un nuevo estudio, las tasas de COVID-19 son significativamente más altas entre los niños de minorías y los de entornos socioeconómicos más bajos. El estudio de 1,000 pacientes evaluados en un sitio de prueba de COVID-19 en "Children's National" en Washington D.C. encontró que solo el 7.3% de los niños blancos dieron positivo por coronavirus, en contraste con el 30% de los niños negros y el 46.4% de los niños hispanos.

¡Usen una máscara! ¡Manténganse sano y a salvo!

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Hello Everyone!

Here is some important info to share with you.

Registration for Fall ASL classes (and the RSL class) is open now. Register here: https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-program/course-schedule-and-registration

Governor Baker announced a new travel order effective August 1, 2020. DEAF, Inc. will ask consumers and visitors who need in-person service whether they traveled to 43 high risk states to ensure office safety. 14-day quarantine or providing a COVID-19 negative test result is required. 7 low risk states are exempt which are Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont.

The Baker Administration launched #MaskUpMA, an effort to continue to remind MA residents to wear masks in public to stop the spread of COVID-19. See Red Sox mascot’s vlog. https://twitter.com/Wally97/status/1289209526227353600

The State has now doubled the number of communities to a total of 17 to provide free COVID-19 testing sites in Agawam, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester. The COVID-19 testing sites are open through August 14. This testing is available for anyone who has had no symptoms or in no contact and is open to all residents of Massachusetts. Here is the following link for testing locations. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread#where-.

There is more to share next week. Stay safe and healthy!

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Hi Everyone!

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Here are some important announcements to share with all of you.

Governor Baker signed a bill that recognizes Juneteenth as an annual state holiday. Juneteenth, which is celebrated each year on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and serves as an opportunity to reflect on the need to continue working toward racial justice. The holiday will now be an official holiday in the state beginning in 2021.

Last Friday Governor Baker announced that starting August 1, high-risk travelers who come into Massachusetts are required to complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival and will need to quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts. The order also applies to Massachusetts residents who are returning to the state. This order does not apply if travelers are coming from low-risk states including New York, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Hawaii. All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents from the 42 other high-risk states, including California, Florida, and Texas must follow the order. People should visit www.mass.gov/MAtraveler to fill out the “Massachusetts Travel Form”. Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.

DEAF, Inc. will have two events this week.

Zoom Workshop: “Learn How to Send Pictures or Letters Through Email” on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 2-3pm. RSVP to Front Desk at frontdesk@deafinconline.org or 617-505-4823 to receive Zoom ID. We suggest using a separate laptop, computer or tablet during this workshop.

ASL Zoom Social on Friday, July 31st at 6pm. Our last Zoom social was a success, join us for this one! ASL students of all levels, community members, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, DeafBlind, and Hearing are welcome! RSVP to ASL@deafinconline.org by Thursday, July 30, 3pm EST to receive Zoom ID.

Stay safe and healthy!

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Here are some important weekly updates.

Recalled hand sanitizers: https://whdh.com/news/fda-adds-to-list-of-hand-sanitizers-that-contain-potentially-fatal-ingredient/

RSL Vlog: https://www.facebook.com/DEAFIncMA/videos/2923637627758086

Transcript:

Hello Everyone!

Here are some new important updates to share with you.

Boston Mayor Walsh declared a citywide heat emergency for last Sunday through Tuesday due to a brutally hot weekend across the Bay State. Please protect yourself from COVID-19 and from the heat and humidity. If your mask causes you to overheat, find a shaded area where you can maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and then remove the face covering so that you can breathe easily and cool down.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced last week that the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in Boston, Franklin and Plymouth Counties for the first time this year. Infections can lead to fever and flu-like symptoms and people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Officials said residents should use mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothes if they are outside at dawn and dusk, and prevent mosquitoes from breeding by emptying pools of standing water.

The United States Food and Drug Administration is now warning the public to avoid using 26 different hand sanitizers that contain an ingredient called methanol that can cause diarrhea, coma and death. The link above has the list of the 26 hand sanitizers that are recalled.

DEAF, Inc. is in phase 2 and is open to the public twice a week. If you need in-person services, please contact DEAF, Inc. to make an appointment first.

We will post the Fall ASL class schedule and registration this week. If you have not seen the vlog about the Russian Sign Language (RSL) class, you can watch it [at the link above]. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Stay safe and healthy.

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Hello Everyone!

Exciting news! Last week the DEAF, Inc. office in Salem has finally moved to a new spacious suite. It’s in the same building on the same 2nd floor. The new suite number is 2220. If you need in-person service, please contact DEAF, Inc. to make an appointment.

We want to announce a part-time job opening in New Bedford as an Independent Living Specialist. Job duties involve advocacy, peer support, providing information, referrals to other agencies, skills training, outreach and working exhibits at events and hosting workshops or presentations on a variety of topics. If you are interested, you can find more info on our website. Apply today! https://www.deafinconline.org/jobs-positions/new-bedford-part-time-independent-living-specialist.

Here are some new COVID-19 updates:

There are COVID-19 testing sites open from July 10 through August 14 in Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough and New Bedford. Those communities were selected because they currently have a higher positive test rate. This testing is available for anyone who has had no symptoms and is a residents of Massachusetts. See the link above for testing locations. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread#where-.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, a new law will give all registered Massachusetts voters the option to cast their vote for president, senate and other offices by mail this fall. Under the existing vote-by-mail application, requests for ballots for the November 3 general election must be received by October 28. The vote by mail application link is: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/2020-Vote-by-Mail-Application.pdf. State election ballots for the November 3 election need to be postmarked no later than that day and must be received at a local election office no later than November 6.

Did you move and need to update your address? Need to update your name? Change your political party? Check your registration status? Haven’t you registered to vote yet? Register to vote! It’s easy and quick. Do it now online. https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/.

There is more to share next week. Stay with us!

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Hi Everyone!

DEAF, Inc. Southeast welcomes new staff Margarida Medeiros to the New Bedford and Cape Cod offices. Margarida is Hard of Hearing, speaks English, Portuguese, and signs basic ASL. Join one of our Southeast virtual events to meet Margarida, who looks forward to meeting you!

Please come join us for a webinar about: Everyday Scams and Identity Theft presented by Tim Depin – Office of the Attorney General, on Friday, July 10, 2020 1:30pm – 3:30pm on Zoom. CART and voice interpreter will be provided. See the flyer on the DEAF, Inc. website for reservation and zoom info.

Come learn:

How to avoid being a victim of scams.

What the Attorney General does.

What is the difference between scams and identity theft?

Types of scams.

How to report a scam.

DeafBlind Awareness Week was last week. Like Deafness, DeafBlindness is a spectrum. Some people who are DeafBlind have some vision but are Deaf; some people have some hearing but are Blind; and some are both profoundly Deaf and Blind.

Some tips when communicating with someone who is DeafBlind:

Be flexible

Communicate using the method that person prefers (ASL, Tactile ASL (TASL), ProTactile ASL (PTASL), text, spoken English, etc.)

Wear solid colors that contrast your skin tone for better visibility.

Use lighting that suits the DeafBlind person (some prefer bright light, some prefer natural light, some may have no light preferences at all)

Be patient and, most importantly, be friendly.

You all stay safe and healthy.

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Hello! Welcome back to MA’s reopening phases explanations.  This vlog is updates about the state’s Phase 3.

There is good news! Governor Baker announced last week that COVID-19 cases are still trending down, and state will go ahead with Phase 3.  It is important to understand that phase 3 will have parts (or steps) and may last a long time.  

Phase 3 is called “Vigilant” and the color is green. The date to start for Phase 3, Step 1 is on July 6th (Monday). For Boston only, the date is to start is on July 13th (Next Monday). Those are two different dates depending on the area.

The following businesses will be eligible to reopen. Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues; museums, cultural and historical sites; gyms, fitness centers and health clubs; and professional sports teams may hold games without spectators.

Some human services programs can operate, such as health programs, substance abuse services, and some therapy services for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Indoor gatherings or groups are limited to 25 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people. This includes community events, weddings, sporting events, concerts, conventions and more.  However, if the event happens in a large open area where people can remain 6ft apart, there can be more than 100 people.

More questions? Let us know in the comments.

COVID-19 is still on downward trend, which is good news!  However, if people do not follow safety guidelines, we could see an upward trend again and might have to move back to a previous phase, like we see in other states.

If people continue to be careful and safe, we will be able to add more businesses and programs for the next steps of phase 3. For now, enjoy the summer, and watch for more updates.

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The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is encouraging all eligible customers to renew their standard driver’s license or ID card online this summer in order to qualify for a free upgrade to a REAL ID credential in 2021. At this time, people will not need a federally-compliant REAL ID for the purposes of boarding domestic flights prior to October 1, 2021, because the government delayed the compliance effective date by one year.

Governor Baker has announced that the annual sales tax-free weekend will take place on August 29 and 30. Retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts for personal use on these two days, will be exempt from sales tax.

Governor Baker has urged MA residents again to continue to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, maintain proper hygiene, and stay home when sick to avoid a spike in cases that many other states are currently seeing because the coronavirus will not take a “summer vacation.”

DEAF, Inc. has recently released the vlog with our own reopening plan. In-person services will be provided by appointment made in advance. It is important that you are aware of our safety rules before you visit DEAF, Inc. If you have not seen the vlog, check the DEAF, Inc. website (www.deafinconline.org) for more info. Please contact DEAF, Inc. if you have any questions. Next week we will share more info about our Salem and Southeast office relocations.

Registration for online summer ASL classes is still open at https://www.deafinconline.org/asl-program/course-schedule-and-registration

One class is full already, get your spot before it's too late!

You all stay safe and healthy.

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Hello everyone!

Here is some important information to share with you.

Mayor Marty Walsh said that Boston residents who have recently participated in large protests that called for an end to racial inequality are strongly encouraged to get tested to limit the further spread of COVID-19.

A new coronavirus pop-up testing site is available this week in Boston. Boston is offering COVID-19 testing in more than 20 locations across the city. Click here for a map: http://boston.gov/covid19-testing-map.

More information: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/map-covid-19-testing-sites

Also, Massachusetts is warning residents that people are using stolen personal information from previous data breaches to file for fraudulent unemployment claims as part of a national scam.

State officials are urging that if you believe you may have had a false unemployment claim filed using your identity, you should use the Department of Unemployment Assistance fraud contact form [https://www.mass.gov/forms/unemployment-fraud-reporting-form] or call the DUA customer service department at 877-626-6800.

More information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-unemployment-benefits-fraud

We would like to share an update on how DBCAN (the DeafBlind program) has been doing. Providers continue assisting DeafBlind consumers with ordering food online, picking up RX refills and reading materials. As Phase 2 has started, more DeafBlind consumers go outside their homes and grocery shopping with providers. DBCAN has implemented a new online social support group for staff, consumers and providers to socialize and share resources every week.

DBCAN is looking for more providers in the Boston, Western Mass, Northeast and Southeast areas. If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Human Resources or check the DEAF, Inc. website for more info.

Please look out for a vlog from the Executive Director with DEAF, Inc.’s reopening plan next week. You all stay healthy and safe.

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Hello everyone. My name is Sharon Applegate, Executive Director of DEAF, Inc.

It was horrible how George Floyd was murdered. This is not the first time this has happened to a Black man or woman. It has happened many times, repeatedly, over hundreds of years in our history.

This cannot continue. It will destroy humanity. It will destroy our community.

In these tough times, we at DEAF, Inc. extend our deepest condolences to all people of color, particularly Black men and women, boys and girls, directly impacted by police brutality. George Floyd and many others are victims who have lost their lives or whose lives are threatened because of the color of their skin.

We white people must do more! We can’t just post. We need to have dialogues and take action. We heard you.

As part of a diverse Deaf community nationwide, we must continue to work together to confront and prevent acts of hate and bias. DEAF, Inc. is committed to ensuring our services are inclusive to all. We are committed to addressing systemic, institutionalized oppression, discrimina;on, and racism in society and in our community.

We may not always know exactly what to do or what to say but we are committed to learning, making changes, aiming to do better, and working together to achieve equity for all people.

DEAF, Inc. stands in solidarity with our Black Deaf community and the wider Black community in Massachusetts and across the country in the fight against police brutality, racism, and social injustice. Because Black Lives Matter!

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Sharon Applegate: Hello everyone. My name is Sharon Applegate and I am the Executive Director of DEAF, Inc. in Boston. I hope all are doing well. Our hearts go out to those that have become sick or passed away due to COVID-19. We need to stay strong, healthy, and positive. DEAF, Inc. staff have been performing amazingly and working hard during this difficult time. I want to thank the staff for that. Next you will see several ways that staff are supporting individuals addressing challenges.

Devon Hostetler: I explain how to fill out the US Census online.

Chi Kwong-Sito:  No internet? No problem, I help you to get new one.

Hayley Bernard: I distribute weekly newsletters with important information to keep people informed.

Catarina Lima: I support consumers with different levels of hearing loss find a phone system that works for them. For example, a caption phone, VP, and VP including VCO. All so they can stay connected with friends and family.

Emma Leigh Lawrence Vick: I provide peer support for Hard of Hearing seniors just like me. When they feel isolated or lonely, I give them suggestions on useful and fun things to do.

Marie Desrosiers: I guide consumers through filing for unemployment benefits.

Elaine Ducharme: DBCAN providers support DeafBlind people with essential needs, like food shopping, food delivery, and staying informed.

Tabatha Patrican: I explain the symptoms of COVID-19 and the importance of wearing masks.

Matt Kelley: I help late-deafened seniors get accessible technology, so they can stay safe and connected at home. Examples include flashing light fire equipment, and caption phones.

Ron Bergenheim: I support consumers if they have questions about Social Security benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and SSA.

Todd Suffreti: I help consumers find out where their stimulus check is.

Samantha McDonald: Staff can help consumers figure out how to order food delivery.

Sofia German: I post important information on Facebook regularly. Such as posts that stress the importance of staying home and maintaining social distancing, because someone could have the virus and show no symptoms. To keep themselves and other safe, I stress the importance of staying home and maintaining social distancing.

Sandra Bass: I help consumers learn how to use Zoom. I explain the directions clearly until they understand how to use the program.

Robert Martin: Continuing to raise awareness of ASL and the Deaf community by providing online ASL classes to hearing students.

Matt Castiglione: We are still helping consumers find safe housing during the pandemic. The pandemic will not stop us from providing support.

Sharon Applegate: Contact us if you need DEAF, Inc. services. Stay well. Stay safe.

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Hi Everyone!

We want to share some news with all of you.

When the stay-at-home order started, the ASL Program at DEAF, Inc. cancelled the in-person ASL classes, but offered 7 online ASL classes this spring for the first time. The classes were already full within 3 weeks of registration, wow. It has been a wonderful, positive experience. We had the online ASL Social event last Friday for the first time too. This social event is once a month, and future dates will be announced.

Online summer ASL classes will start July 20. Go to the DEAF, Inc. website to find registration information. Sign up early as spaces fill up quickly.

One more thing. The ASL Immersion event was supposed to take place in March, but due to the stay-at home order, it was to be rescheduled. But we now announce that the event is officially cancelled this year. It is a decision that is the best interest of public health and safety.

Here are some COVID-19 updates. COVID-19 positive cases in MA are decreasing. State health officials said roughly 2% of all coronavirus patients are currently hospitalized. Good news, it is trending down. We are in Phase 1 of reopening now.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced restaurants will be allowed to reopen with restrictions in Phase 2 starting June 8. Outdoor table service “as much as possible”. The new rules for restaurants across the state: parties are limited to six people, tables must be spaced 6 feet apart and everyone must wear a mask with the exception of sitting at the table.

The MBTA has been disinfecting and cleaning its fleet of buses, trolleys and trains on a daily basis. High-contact surfaces at T stations are wiped down every four hours. As the reopening starts, the T is planning to limit the number of people on buses to 20 – that’s compared to 56 at peak times pre-pandemic. Trains also will see only 40-50 percent capacity.

Continue to wear a mask. Wash hands often. Be careful.

Look out for a vlog from us with more updates next week.

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Starting today DEAF, Inc. aims to provide vlogs in ASL with updates once a week.

First of all, DEAF, Inc. wants to wholeheartedly thank our donors and community members for monetary donations as well as many donations of masks for the DBCAN (DeafBlind) consumers and providers during this difficult time.

DEAF, Inc. services remain available remotely while our offices are closed.

As you are already aware, Massachusetts State is currently into phase 1 of reopening. Limited places are open. Wearing a mask in public areas, like in stores and parks, and maintaining 6 feet social distancing are still required, it’s the law. Continue to wash hands often for 20 seconds with warm water and soap.

DEAF, Inc. is currently working on our reopening plan. As soon as it is complete, we will let you know.

Exciting news, DEAF, Inc. will host our first online workshop on Zoom, on June 3rd. It is called 3 Digit Numbers. For more info, check out the workshop flyer posted on both DEAF, Inc. Facebook and website.

Look out for a vlog next week with more updates.

You all stay healthy and safe.

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