“Nothing about us without us.”
Programs
Deaf New Americans Advocacy programs and services include:
Advocacy and Support
Our advocacy and support related services include:
Effective communication access with the language of the Deaf New American’s choice
Access to appropriate medical care
Crisis intervention and assistance
Affordable and safe housing
Emergency and after hours support for medical care and case management
Support for Deaf and CODA children
Asha Laaya Farm
We have the first Deaf New American farm and have expanded to a 10 acre land. Deaf Americans are able to own their own plots, use the greenhouse, harvest for their families and for sales with local retailers and in farmer’s markets. We have harvested thousands of pounds of food. We also do cooking classes, harvest dinner, open farm day, and summer youth program.
DNA Youth Program
We are partnered with Syracuse University Humanities Department and School of Education to help out Deaf and CODA youths (2 to 17 year olds) with their academics. Deaf New Americans often struggle to help their children with their schoolwork due to language barriers. Volunteers give these children access to valuable academic resources and support their successful futures.
Life Skills Chat and Tea
Our Life Skills Chat and Tea serves as a socialization opportunity every Thursday paired with exploration of various topics from safety, survival, health, and wellness and includes guest lecturers. This provides a place to share questions and information during our farm’s off-season.
Women’s Safe Space
Women’s Safe Space allows for women to gather in a safe, comfortable environment, develop skills such as sewing, have cultural food, provide support to each other, socialize, and work on skills development such as “Talk Therapy”.
