Valley Center of the Deaf

05/15/2024

01/06/2024

Attention Deaf community in the Phoenix area! We are excited to announce two important meetings taking place that will strengthen our recent partnership with the ASL company ‘Lango’! If you are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind and interested in what kind of services Lango and VCD (Valley Center of the Deaf) have to offer, you are absolutely welcome to attend with questions and feedback. Our agencies highly value the concerns of the Deaf community and hope for many of you to take advantage of this opportunity to come and meet us!

Details for our upcoming meetings in the Phoenix area:

WHEN: Wednesday, January 10th
4-6PM – Deaf Town Hall Meeting
6:30-8PM – Interpreters meeting

WHERE: Ability 360
5031 E Washington St, Phoenix AZ 85034

**If you need tactile interpreting services for this event, please contact VCD**

Valley Center of the Deaf (VCD):
(602)-267-1921
vcdaz.org

We hope to see you there!

(transcript with video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69lXsC_m-64

Attention Deaf community in the Phoenix area! We are excited to announce two important meetings taking place that will strengthen our recent partnership with...

01/06/2024

Meet Bobby, who runs the ASL company 'Lango', and has some exciting news to share for the Arizona Deaf community!

(transcript in video)

Meet Bobby, who runs the ASL company 'Lango', and has some exciting news to share for the Arizona Deaf community!Transcript:Hello!I am Bobby Fisher, this is ...

12/29/2023

You may have heard - COPD and VCD’s Interpreting is moving to new company. We are excited to invite you to a town hall for interpreters to meet with us and the new company - Lango Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Bring your questions, bring an interpreter friend who doesn’t work for us yet - everyone is welcome!

Tucson:
When: January 9th, 2024
Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Where: TDCC - Tucson Deaf Community Center
1436 N 11th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705

Phoenix:
When: January 10th, 2024
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Where: Ability 360 - Classroom B (upstairs)
5025 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Hope to see you all there - Happy New Year!

10/17/2023

Valley Center of the Deaf

Join us! To Celebrate the 45th Anniversary of the Valley Center of the Deaf

October 27, 2023
4:00pm Social Hour
5:00pm-7:00pm Dinner & Program

RSVP is required by OCTOBER 20TH due to limited seating!

RSVP to: Cindy (CindyW@vcdaz.org) OR Sandy (sandye@ccs-soaz.org), (520) 670-0854

LOCATION:
Apache ASL Trails Apartments
2428 E. Apache Blvd
Tempe, AZ 85281

06/28/2023

Arizona Association of the Deaf

Mark your calendar!
October 21, 2023

Three events in one:
State Conference
General Meeting
Election

An all day event, including exhibition and workshops. More information will be posted soon. Save the date and stay tuned!

Where:
Phoenix Deaf Community Center
1545 W. Osborn Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85015

Email to secretary@azadinc.org for more information and questions.

03/29/2023

Message from AZAD--

Legislation News Update

3/24/23

Hello AZAD Members and Friends,

Finally we have updates, new information and a call to action!

HB2456-Senate Government Committee;

House Bill 2456 has been stalled in the Senate since February 27. HB2456/ASDB Continuation Bill will allow ASDB, PDSD and all ASDB programs to continue operating for the next 8 years. Senator Hoffman has announced the Government Committee agenda and HB2456 will be heard on March 29th at 9:30 am. There continues to be the possibility of amendments to HB2456 at this meeting.


Senate Government Committee Meeting 3/29/23:

https://www.azleg.gov/agendas/0329012022127.pdf

Now there is a new twist and more information regarding a second Bill!

HB2291-Senate Education Committee;

House Bill 2291 is called a “strike everything” Bill. Senator Bennett, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, with the approval of Representative Cook, has removed language or “striked everything” from the original HB2291 and replaced it with “continuation of ASDB”. HB2291 is a backup for ASDB to continue for the next 8 years without any amendments.

Senate Education Committee Meeting 3/29/23:

https://www.azleg.gov/agendas/0329012024127.pdf

Call to action!:

There will be a lot happening at the Capitol in Phoenix next Wednesday 3/29/23! The goal is to have a full house at the Senate Government Committee Meeting AND at the Senate Education Committee Meeting. Here is a map of the Capitol area and parking:

https://www.azleg.gov/alispdfs/council/CapitolMallParkingMap.pdf

Agenda for Wednesday:

8:00 am: Please arrive at the Capitol. Interpreters will be there. Wear ASDB/PDSD or red clothing. You can sign up for Request to Speak. Here is a short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQaC74rhqSc

9:30 am: Senate Government Committee Meeting. PACK THE ROOM!

Lunch/In between: Bring a lunch bag for a picnic. Plus two lovely places to visit:

https://www.wesleybolinplaza.com/

https://azcapitolmuseum.gov/

2:00 pm: Senate Education Committee Meeting. PACK THE ROOM!

Please help spread the word! Hope to see you there!

12/29/2022

End of Life, Palliative Care, and Hospice Services
A workshop for Interpreters

Saturday, January 21, 2023
9:00am to 5:00pm
(one hour lunch on your own)

ACEC Arizona
(My Florist Plaza)
532 W McDowell Road
Phoenix AZ 85003

This special opportunity workshop is provided at no cost by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation, and Valley Center of the Deaf, in partnership with the Arizona Commission for the Deaf. 7 CEUs approved. This is an in-person workshop, hybrid is not available.

Target Audience: All Levels

This workshop honors non-discrimination and promotion of an environment of mutual respect and free from bias. Everyone is welcome.

About the workshop: This workshop will introduce the foundational theories and principles of Hospice care. Hospice care is end-of-life care, as well as support for the family and loved ones. This course will discuss the process and expectations of what end of life can be, can look and feel like, and to offer better understanding of this sacred transition. In many cultures Death and Dying are uncomfortably discussed, if not altogether avoided. This workshop is offered to help us with where to begin such discussions, by helping us understand the experience. By learning about this we can more comfortably find solace by grieving effectively. With proper training we will be better prepared to understand ways to best serve and support those we are working with, and those that we love as part of the Hospice team. Equally important we will cover ways of caring for ourselves when we are in this chapter of life, whether ours or those we are called to work with. Specialized vocabulary, medicinal modalities, common scenarios, and self-care will be discussed. All levels are welcome. Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for continuing education activities. This GS program is offered for 0.7 CEU's at the "Little/None" Content Knowledge Level.

Seating is limited. Registration is required.
This workshop will be presented in English.
ASL interpreters provided
Email KRVNELSON@Gmail.com to register

About the presenter: Kirsten Nelson has trained as a volunteer in a variety of hospice modalities, including Respite Care, Pediatric Hospice, The 11th Hour Program, and Bereavement Care, providing service and support to those receiving Hospice Services, as well as caring for the family and loved ones during this sacred transitional experience. Kirsten has been an Interpreter since 1988 working in an array of settings, from prenatal care through, well, the end of life. Kirsten currently works as a freelance interpreter enjoying the diversity and challenges this type of work provides. She lives with her partner of 34 years in Central Phoenix, and together they have raised 4 amazing daughters, several dogs, a handful of cats, and a smattering of other critters. In her free time Kirsten enjoys creating art, reading, and laying in her hammock doing nothing other than listening to the birds, and watching clouds pass by.

12/29/2022

Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season!

On behalf of all of us at COPD-Tucson, VCD, and COPD-New Mexico, we want to wish you and yours a safe and happy holidays!

Holiday Gift-Giving reminder: Your end-of-year gift to our Deaf programs can reduce your state income tax liability with a dollar-for-dollar tax-credit (up to $400 per person, or $800 per married couple filing jointly).

You can choose VCD, COPD-Tucson or COPD-New Mexico specifically. Donate online at www.ccs-soaz.org/donate/form or mail your check to CCS Development Dept, 140 W. Speedway, Ste. 230, Tucson, AZ 85705 or by phone (520) 670-0854 by December 31, 2022.

10/20/2022

HI! ACDHH is providing free self-advocacy training on Thursday and Friday, October 27th and 28th from 9 am to 5 pm! Amanda Tuite with Access Vine will be our presenter for the workshop!

More information about her company, Access Vine can be found here https://www.accessvine.co/

Please RSVP by October 24th! You can contact me via email at k.minard@acdhh.az.gov or VP me at 480-360-1148.

02/03/2022

Disability Community Vaccination Event will be held for persons with disabilities, caregivers, children 5 years old and older, and any community members living in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Must be 5 years old or over. Minors must have an Authorized Health Representative for consent.

Vaccinations will be administered in a walk-in clinic setting at the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center gymnasium.

ADA reasonable accommodations and American Sign Language (ASL) will be provided upon request in the sign-up system.

Where:
Ability360
Sports & Fitness Center
5031 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85034

When:
Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 5, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

An Appointment is Required.

Schedule an Appointment at: https://ability360.org/cal-events/covid-19-vaccination-event/

Call 602-256-2245 for assistance with scheduling.

Please share this email and attached flyers with those who would benefit in participating in this event.

01/26/2022

FREE COVID-19 vaccine – 1st dose, 2nd dose, Additional, and Boosters available!

Pfizer (5 years of age and older)
Moderna (18 years of age and older)
J&J (18 years of age and older)

WHEN:
Friday, January 28 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 29 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHERE:
Former Safeway (vacant store)
9101 E. Baseline Rd Mesa, AZ 85209

MORE INFORMATION

WALK-INS WELCOME! Appointments are available for those who wish to make one: https://kordinator.mhealthcoach.net/vcl/1636410450927

ASL interpreter will be on site SATURDAY: January 29

Need more info? Need to request an Accommodation? Please call the Public Health CARES Team at 602- 506-6767

12/22/2021

FREE COVID-19 vaccine – 1st dose, 2nd dose, Additional, and Boosters available!

Pfizer (5 years of age and older) Moderna (18 years of age and older) J&J (18 years of age and older)

Monday January 10, 2022 from 12:00pm – 7:00pm

WHERE: Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre 20464 E Riggs Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142

MORE INFORMATION:

This is a WALK-IN event – appointments are not necessary!

ASL interpreters will be on site for the event.

Need more info? Need to request an Accommodation? Please call the Public Health CARES Team at 602-506-6767

12/22/2021

FREE COVID-19 vaccine – 1st dose, 2nd dose, Additional, and Boosters available!

Pfizer (5 years of age and older) Moderna (18 years of age and older) J&J (18 years of age and older)

WHEN:
Friday, January 7 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 8 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday, January 14 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, January 15 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHERE:
Former Safeway (vacant store) 9101 E. Baseline Rd Mesa, AZ 85209

MORE INFORMATION

WALK-INS WELCOME! Appointments are available for those who wish to make one:

https://kordinator.mhealthcoach.net/vcl/1636410450927

ASL interpreters will be on site SATURDAYS: January 7 and 14.

Need more info? Need to request an Accommodation? Please call the Public Health CARES Team at 602-506-6767

11/17/2021

FREE COVID-19 vaccine – 1st dose, 2nd dose, Additional, and Boosters available!

Pfizer (5 years of age and older)
Moderna (18 years of age and older)
J&J (18 years of age and older)

WHEN
Friday, November 19 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, November 20 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday, December 3 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 4 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday, December 10 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 11 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday, December 17 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 18 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

WHERE
Former Safeway (vacant store)
9101 E. Baseline Rd Mesa, AZ 85209

MORE INFORMATION

WALK-INS WELCOME! Appointments are available for those who wish to make one:

https://kordinator.mhealthcoach.net/vcl/1636410450927

ASL interpreters will be on site SATURDAYS: Nov 20, Dec 4, 11, 18.

Need more info? Need to request an Accommodation? Please call the Public Health CARES Team at 602-506-6767

10/25/2021

Valley Center of the Deaf and Marvel Studios cordially invite you to an Advance Open Caption Screening of Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS. Directed by Academy Award®-winning director Chloé Zhao, “Eternals” features an exciting new team of Super Heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ancient aliens who have been living on Earth in secret for thousands of years. Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” an unexpected event forces them out of the shadows to reunite against mankind's oldest enemy, the Deviants.

Tuesday, November 2nd
7:00pm
Harkins Scottsdale 101 theater
7000 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054

Please click the link below to RSVP:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLEDwwQfJeEexildL2lZ4gCmzWGb4Iz2BoMRvHST3tY7Z6vA/viewform

This invitation is not transferable, and space will be filled on a first-come, first-served RSVP ONLY basis.

05/18/2021

Valley Center of the Deaf is saddened to find out about the passing of Rob Firestone. He worked for Community Outreach Program for the Deaf for many years in the Flagstaff and Tucson.

His obituary is below:

Robert E. Firestone, 75, of Jacksonville, IL, died Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing & Rehab. He was born Dec. 21, 1945, in Akron, OH, the son of Robert D. and Martha Kennedy Firestone. Rob was a graduate of Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, Parkway High School in Ballwin, MO, and Gallaudet University, in Washington, DC. He spent his career working with the deaf in many states within the country. He was a consummate teacher, proving over and over that being deaf was not a handicap….it was just the way you were. He loved his work, especially with kids, but also enjoyed his time teaching sign language to parents who wanted the communication skills for working with the deaf. He leaves behind a sister, Martha Miner and her husband, David of Huntersville, NC, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and a great-nephew. He also leaves a very close family of cousins who shared many reunions over the years, of which Rob was an integral part. He always felt and enjoyed the closeness of his family. He will be interred in Mount Peace Cemetery in Akron, Ohio, alongside his parents, Robert and Martha Firestone.

https://usobit.com/obituaries-2021/robert-e-firestone-december-21-1945-may-15-2021/ #

Death notice Robert's Obituary Robert E. Firestone, 75, of Jacksonville, IL, died Saturday, May 15, 2021, at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing & Rehab. He was born Dec.