Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

09/18/2025

Deaf Awareness Celebration is tonight! Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 4 - 7PM at 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548. There will be resource tables, games, and food. Socialize and celebrate with our community.

PARKING INFORMATION: You MUST park and enter the building on the WEST side of the building. Park at the Athletic entrance and enter at the auxiliary gym from the outside of the building. Construction blocks entrances from the East of the building. The map below highlights the parking area.

Please PRE-REGISTER so that we can plan food and seating! Register for the event today at https://deafhhs.org/events/

A $5 donation per attendee is recommended.

09/16/2025

Join us this Thursday for our Deaf Awareness Celebration to celebrate and recognize Deaf community, culture, and the importance of accessibility. Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 4 - 7PM at 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

There will be resource tables, games, and food. Socialize and celebrate with our community.

Please PRE-REGISTER so that we can plan food and seating! Register for the event today at deafhhs.org/events
A $5 donation per attendee is recommended.

PARKING INFORMATION: You MUST park and enter the building on the WEST side of the building. Park at the Athletic entrance and enter at the auxiliary gym from the outside of the building. Construction blocks entrances from the East of the building.

ASL interpreters will be provided for visiting resource tables. If you need additional accommodations, such as DeafBlind interpreters, specific seating arrangements, or other accessibility needs, please contact Erica Chapin by emailing echapin@deafhhs.org

09/11/2025

Today marks the 24th anniversary of the September 11th tragedy. We will never forget the brave and innocent individuals who lost their lives that day.

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Red white and blue American flag is draped horizontally across the top of a brown wood grain background. In the center in white block lettering reads Never Forget 09.11.01

09/10/2025

The MDCR Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing will hold a meeting this Friday, September 12, 2025. For information see their original post here.

Join the DODDBHH Advisory Council this Friday, September 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the MSU Federal Credit Union Community Room (lower-level) for their next meeting. ASL interpreters, CDI and CART will be provided. We hope to see you there!

09/10/2025

September is Deaf Awareness Month, and we would like to share a few facts about Deaf culture. For the full article, click the link below, and leave a comment sharing what you've learned about ASL, Deaf culture, and the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing communities recently!

Link to article here:
https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/deaf-culture-facts?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7pbJLeF65oSzwlB0K4Wrl7yxDJyocWLokj0WxLt9uKVYdYj71JiqOQI3LO8w_aem_r5TlfoP3hrMiNqY0K_bHIg

You might be surprised to learn some of these facts about Deaf culture and how it differs from hearing culture.

09/06/2025

Join us at the Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center, at 160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548! Park and enter on the EAST side of the building and come through the side entrance.

FODHHS Workshops and Socials are for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing and signers. Everyone is welcome! Bring food for potluck and games to share. Questions, please contact us at fodhhs@deafhhs.org or 616-828-0094

[Image Description]
A flyer with solid white background and bold black lettering reads:
Friends of D&HHS September Social
Bring food for potluck, drinks, and games to share. We will have fellowship together. Gerald Ford Airport will be retuning with a short presentation and sunflower lanyards. After, Jen Heeres will be sharing about the D&HHS Mentor Program.
Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025, 10am - 2pm
Special Olympics Unified Sports and Inclusion Center
160 68th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
*Park on the East side of the building closest to Division Ave and use the side door*
Emai Nancy Gingery (Chairperson):
fodhhs@deafhhs.org

Send a message to learn more

09/05/2025

Seeking all advocates and leaders!

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Michigan, in partnership with Innivee Strategies , is searching for our next Executive Director who will be a Community-Centered Advocate, Strategic Nonprofit Leader, Inclusive Community Builder, and Systems Change Agent for Michigan's diverse Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing communities across all 27 counties.

We're looking for someone passionate about advancing accessibility, equity, and civil rights while building bridges within our communities. Our dedicated search committee, representing diverse perspectives from across Michigan, is committed to finding the ideal leader who will drive our mission forward and transform organizational culture.

Help us find the right leader by sharing this opportunity within your networks! Know someone who fits this profile? Encourage them to apply by October 17, 2025 to apply@innivee.com.

Find our full search prospectus with detailed role information on the Executive Director Search page on our website: https://deafhhs.org/executive-director-search/

Together, we can continue building a stronger, more inclusive future for all Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals in Michigan!

09/01/2025

Our office is closed today for Labor Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

The afterhours and emergency interpreting services phoneline is active.

[image description] A plain white background with red white and blue block lettering reads Office Closed For Labor Day Happy Holiday sits just below an illustration of a yellow construction hard hat.

08/29/2025

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is pleased to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors. Both members have been elected to a three-year term beginning September 1, 2025.

Rowan O’Dougherty is culturally Deaf. He teaches ASL at Grand Rapids Community College. In addition, he is also a member of the Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Board of Interpreters for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing.

Luis Peña is a member of the DeafBlind community. He is looking forward to being a member of the board to enhance services for people who are DeafBlind.

Please join us in welcoming both new board members and watch for more information to come.

Remember to put September 18 on your calendar for our Deaf Awareness Celebration at the Special Olympics of Michigan building!