DRM Deaf Services

06/01/2026

DRM is hosting a FREE Visual-Gestural Communication workshop in South Portland on June 22, from 9am-12pm. Register by emailing [email protected] or online at https://tinyurl.com/mppve7pa.

What is VGC? VGC is useful to anyone who needs an alternative technique for expressing and understanding the wants and needs of other people in their environment. VGC is a communication mode, rather than a formal language like English, ASL or French. It uses gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Many individuals who cannot communicate effectively using either a spoken language like English, or a formal signed language like ASL, will be able to communicate more effectively using natural gestures.

This training is excellent for family members, case managers, direct support professionals, and others. All are welcome. In our classes, we help you to think visually and conceptually, and to use Visual-Gestural Communication to communicate more effectively, including with people with limited formal language.

In our workshop, we help you to think visually and conceptually, and to use Visual Gestural Communication to communicate more effectively with people who have limited formal language.

Are you interested in seeing a VGC workshop in your community? Email us! We are planning our 2026-2027 workshop schedule now. [email protected]

05/29/2026

Join the Deaf Rights Group on June 6 in Lewiston from 1-3pm, at the Quarterly MeAD meeting. Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency will join us as a guest presenter. They will share an overview of emergency preparedness. They will also host a discussion on how they can best serve the Deaf & Hard of Hearing community.

Deaf Rights Group is an open meeting for all to come and share information about the needs and accomplishments of the Deaf Community in Maine. Celebrating 30 years, since 1995! Come share community concerns and learn about resources.

Contact: Thomas Minch, [email protected] VP 207-805-7027

05/27/2026

Not just one, but two Peer Support Group events are coming up soon! Take your pick and join us! Peer Support Group (PSG) is a monthly gathering for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities who use signs and gestures to communicate. Events are conducted in a combination of visual gestural communication and American Sign Language.

On Friday, May 29th from 3:30- 5:00 pm, PSG is hosting "Our Rights, Our Power!" pizza party in Cumberland, ME. Join us for an interactive workshop on YOUR rights. This event will be conducted entirely in visual gestural communication and American Sign Language, without interpretation.

On Wed June 10 from 3:00-5:00pm, join the Peer Support Group in Windham for tour and workshop at the 911 Regional Communication Center for Cumberland County. Learn about Text to 911, and how to get help in an emergency. Pizza provided!

Please RSVP to Michelle Ames at [email protected] or VP 207-805-7024!

05/20/2026

Peer Support Group will be meeting on Friday, May 29th from 3:30-5pm for a workshop and pizza party! "Our Rights, Our Power!"

The event will take place at the Congregational Church in Cumberland. This church is located at 282 Main Street, Cumberland Center, ME 04021.

Peer Support Group (PSG) is a monthly gathering for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities who use signs and gestures to communicate. Events are conducted in a combination of visual gestural communication and American Sign Language.

There will be no interpreters at this event.

Please RSVP to Michelle Ames at [email protected] or VP 207-805-7024!

05/13/2026

Reminder!
Deaf Services Events in Aroostook County, May 18th and 19th

Visual Gestural Communication (VGC) is useful to many people who need an alternative technique for expressing and understanding the wants and needs of other people in their environment. VGC is a communication mode that uses gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Often individuals, who cann...

04/28/2026

May 2026 Deaf Services E-Vents newsletter:

Come learn Deaf history through the use of maps/ Join us for a tour of the Osher Map Library! ASL/English interpretation provided. We will look at maps (including antique maps) and time lines and discuss their relationship to deaf peoples’ education, contributions, impacts, and more throughout his...

12/10/2025

DRG is sadly cancelled tonight due to weather. Stay safe out there! We will reschedule for a new date TBD!

12/10/2025

Our friends at Maine Association of the Deaf have just released these informational videos about Maine's 911 & 988 resources in ASL. Please check them out and spread the word.

Text to 911 saves lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERs-HPMF7q0&list=PLq9u05kZIuchatAPL_pz3PvHXb5DOFIKc

988 call to action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53IfKxue7w&list=PLq9u05kZIuciCPXIUcJ8iSSH-_Bp27Yyp&index=1

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/05/2025

The Deaf Rights Group invites everyone to celebrate DRG’s 30th birthday! We will also be joined by the Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency as guest presenters. This is an open meeting to share information, discuss systemic needs, and celebrate the accomplishments of the Deaf Community in Maine. Your voice and participation matter—come and join us and be part of the conversation!

The meeting will take place from 4-6pm at the Maine Resiliency Center, 184 Main Street, Lewiston.

ASL interpreters provided.

Questions? Contact: [email protected] or VP 207-802-7024

Image Description: The image shows a colorful background with Disability Rights Maine's logo in the upper right corner, a birthday cake in the lower right corner, and the interpreter symbol in the lower left corner. The text says:
Deaf Rights Group
Wed. Dec 10th 4-6pm
Location: Maine Resiliency Center, 184 Main St., Lewiston
Guest Presenter: Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency
Join us in celebrating 30 years of DRG!
Contact: Michelle Ames [email protected]
VP 207-803-7024

11/25/2025

November is Assistive Technology month!

One of our assistive tech programs is the Telecommunications Equipment Program, which was established by state law to provide no- or low-cost adaptive phone equipment to any Maine resident who cannot use their home’s conventional telephone due to a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability.

Learn more on our website at https://drme.org/our-services/programs/deaf-services/