Deaf YES: Center for Deaf Empowerment and Recovery

Deaf YES: Center for Deaf Empowerment and Recovery Our mission is to partner with Deaf people to develop innovative addiction & mental health resources. Our mission at the Deaf YES!

Center for Deaf Empowerment and Recovery is to partner with the Deaf community to develop innovative addiction and mental health resources that are accessible, useful, and freely available to Deaf sign language users. We value key principles of servant leadership to support this mission – choosing ethics over profit, prioritizing people over tasks, empowering others before seeking personal gain, b

alancing focus with flexibility, and leading with gratitude. Our work within the Deaf community has only been successful because of our community engagement approaches. Our Center’s clinical services and research studies are co-led by Deaf professionals, hearing professionals, and Deaf laypersons, ensuring that the work we do is relevant and accessible to our population of focus. In addition to this community co-leadership model, we continuously infuse the voice of Deaf community members into our work via ongoing qualitative interviews, focus groups, and community forums. At Deaf YES!, we strive to create an inclusive and empowering environment. We embrace diversity in all forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, disability, age, and socioeconomic background. Honoring and celebrating the rich tapestry of identities, experiences, and perspectives of Deaf people allows us to build stronger connections and work together to overcome barriers. We firmly believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential cornerstones for fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration, and promoting positive change. Our commitment to self-reflection is unwavering, and we continuously seek to learn, grow, and improve as an organization. We invite individuals, organizations, and communities to join us on this journey toward empowerment, recovery, and a more inclusive world for Deaf people.

08/03/2026

Summer drinking…it’s easy to overdo it.

If you or someone you love wants a healthier relationship with alcohol this summer, consider joining our Signs of Safety study - recruiting now through 2028.

WHO CAN JOIN THIS STUDY?
🧏‍♂️ Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled or Hard of Hearing
🤟 Can communicate in ASL
🎂 18 years and older
🍺 Heavy drinking or alcohol problems in the past month
😓 Trauma-related anxiety in the past month

POSSIBLE BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE:
👩‍💻 12 virtual counseling sessions at no cost to you
🧰 Learning skills to manage trauma and addiction

COMPENSATION:
📋 Earn up to $500 for completing 5 online surveys in ASL throughout the course of the study

INTERESTED? Click the link to take our screening survey! https://bit.ly/SignsOfSafety

If you have other questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Video transcript in the comments.

07/31/2026

FAQ Friday! 🙌🏻
Why are some Signs of Safety sessions recorded?
Only 2 of the 12 sessions may be recorded, and it's not to evaluate you.

These recordings are used for research quality checks to make sure the therapy is being delivered as intended while keeping your information confidential.

Watch this week's FAQ to learn why these recordings are important and how your privacy is protected. Have a question about the Signs of Safety study?

Leave it in the comments—we may answer it in a future FAQ Friday!

Visual description and transcript are pinned in the comments!

07/29/2026

The world has felt especially heavy lately. With so many changes happening around us, constant difficult news, and the heartbreaking losses our community has experienced, it's understandable if you're feeling overwhelmed.
We want to remind you of something important:
💙 You belong.
💙 You matter.
💙 You are loved.
No matter what you're facing, you are not alone. It's okay to ask for help. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and there are people who care about you and want to support you.
Let's continue showing up for one another, checking in on our friends, and reminding our community that hope is never out of reach. We care. We stand with you 💛

Reel description:
A zoom recording of DeafYES’s team signing words of support. From left to right team members sign:
Melissa: You are cherished.
Felicia: Sending love.
Amy: You are valued.
Naima: You matter.
Gabby: You belong.
Tam: Hugs! (Showing care)
Kayla: You are loved!

Summer drinking…it’s easy to overdo it. If you or someone you love wants a healthier relationship with alcohol this summ...
07/27/2026

Summer drinking…it’s easy to overdo it.

If you or someone you love wants a healthier relationship with alcohol this summer, consider joining our Signs of Safety study - recruiting now through 2028.

WHO CAN JOIN THIS STUDY?
🧏‍♂️ Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled or Hard of Hearing
🤟 Can communicate in ASL
🎂 18 years and older
🍺 Heavy drinking or alcohol problems in the past month
😓 Trauma-related anxiety in the past month

POSSIBLE BENEFITS MAY INCLUDE:
👩‍💻 12 virtual counseling sessions at no cost to you
🧰 Learning skills to manage trauma and addiction

COMPENSATION:
📋 Earn up to $500 for completing 5 online surveys in ASL throughout the course of the study

INTERESTED? Take our screening survey! https://bit.ly/SignsOfSafety

If you have other questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]

Visual description in the comments.

07/23/2026

Is addiction a disease? The short answer is... YES but it is much more complex than that.
Addiction changes the brain, making it much more than a lack of willpower or a series of bad choices. Watch the reel to learn why!



07/13/2026

It's been a while since we have shared a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) about the Signs of Safety research study! This week's question is 'If I am not eligible now, can I try again later?'
Watch this video to find out the answer! 🙌🏻

If you are interested in the Signs of Safety research study, complete this pre-screening survey here: bit.ly/SignsOfSafety or email [email protected] for more information!

Video description: Gabby is sitting in front of a white wall and behind a coffee table. She has her blonde hair up in a pony tail with bangs and is wearing a black shirt
Transcript:
If I am not eligible now, can I try again later?
Yes, you can try again anytime! You have to contact our research study team and complete the screening survey. This survey will confirm if you're now eligible join our research study.

Do you think you may be drinking too much? 🍻If you are:• Deaf• 18 or older• Live in Massachusetts• Use ASLThis research ...
07/09/2026

Do you think you may be drinking too much? 🍻
If you are:
• Deaf
• 18 or older
• Live in Massachusetts
• Use ASL
This research study may be for you!
To learn more, contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 508-556-6261 (VP/Voice)

Flyer description:
A flyer with an orange, white, and yellow color scheme promoting a Deaf research study about alcohol use. At the top, the text reads: "Are you Deaf and interested in talking about your drinking?"
In the center is the popular Drake meme. The top image shows Drake turning away with the words "drinking too much." The bottom image shows Drake smiling and pointing with approval next to the words "talking about it."
Below the meme, the flyer says: "If yes, this research study may be for you!" It includes contact information: [email protected] or 508-556-6261 (VP/Voice) to learn more.
At the bottom is the DEAF YE! logo and the text: "UMass Chan Medical School IRB ."

What is addiction, exactly? It's more than a lack of willpower or a series of bad choices. Understanding addiction is th...
07/07/2026

What is addiction, exactly?
It's more than a lack of willpower or a series of bad choices. Understanding addiction is the first step toward reducing stigma and supporting recovery. Swipe through to learn the facts!


Accessibility thread pinned in the comments!

07/03/2026

Healthcare can feel overwhelming, but you deserve support that makes sense for you.

We’re here to help you feel more prepared, less alone, and more confident in your next steps.

Come find us at NAD Conference 2026!

Stay Informed in ASL: We’ve got you covered! Sign up with your email at deafhealthaccess.org/sign-up or follow us on social media for new and current health updates.



[Video description & transcript]: The post has a video thumbnail with NAD workshop information. The middle has a text that reads “From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Navigating Your Care” in black and navy text with light grey background. In the video: Allysa and Bee are signing to the video. Allysa, a white woman with blonde wavy hair is sitting in front of the camera. She is wearing a navy DeafHealth top. Bee, a white person with long brown curly hair. They are wearing a purple top.

Transcript:
Allysa: Feeling overwhelmed about your health care?
Bee: Going to NAD Conference 2026? This is for you.
Allysa: Here’s what you will get from us at the conference (PAUSE)
Bee: Practical resources for your health at our booth
Allysa: And research opportunities like
Bee: Like alcohol use, telehealth, and more!
Allysa: A workshop you can use.
Image: Text: From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Navigating Your Healthcare
Bee: July 1st
Allysa: at 9:45am PST.
Bee: Oh! And, stop by our booth!
Allysa: You might win a free DeafHealth t-shirt!
Bee: See you there!
[The screen fades to show a thumbnail of a faded white background of a doctor holding hands with another individual] Deaf. Healthy. DeafHealth. Learn more at www.deafhealthaccess.org.].]

Check out Deaf Yes! if you are in the Massachusetts area or you know someone that is looking for an internship within cl...
06/29/2026

Check out Deaf Yes! if you are in the Massachusetts area or you know someone that is looking for an internship within clinical research!

You can find out more about their services and programs here: https://deafyes.org/
ID:
blue to green gradient background.
in all caps: "Do you know..." under reads "...about Deaf Yes!?"
In four white squares are four different topics. Above each square has a color circle with a white capital letters. top to bottom, right to left: orange W, turquoise I, blue T, yellow R

W: What is Deaf Yes!?
“We provide mental health and addiction counseling for Deaf people in Massachusetts via Zoom, videophone, and in person.”

I: Internships
“This unique, Deaf-accessible internship program offers learning experiences within a clinical research setting. “

T: Trainings
“Our team specializes in providing state-of-the-art training on trauma, mental health, and addiction in the Deaf community.”

R: Research
“Our current research projects focus on developing innovative, Deaf- accessible therapies for trauma and addiction, as well as teaching hearing healthcare professionals how to better serve Deaf people.”

at the bottom is the website: deafyes.org/

Address

100 Century Drive
Worcester, MA
01606

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17746704486

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Deaf YES: Center for Deaf Empowerment and Recovery posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category