National Center for Deaf Health Research

09/26/2025

Deaf Weight Wise (DWW) is a 16-week healthy lifestyle intervention with a 6-month maintenance phase. How do we know that the intervention worked? What information is collected during DWW that helps us see changes among participants?

In this video, Lori (Research Coordinator) explains the 4 main outcomes of DWW, focusing on weight, BMI (Body Mass Index), Dietary Habits, and Physical Activity. We were able to see these changes over time, showing that DWW positively impacts multiple health-related behaviors, which in turn, improve overall health outcomes. Lori also provides a reference to our first DWW publication, which can be accessed a) through ASL on our YouTube page https://youtu.be/29qRI7ps2Dc?feature=shared or by reading the original publication: https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23702


Accessibility notes - video is provided in ASL with English subtitles, full transcript included with the video description below.

Accessibility notes - video is provided in ASL with English subtitles, full transcript included with the video description below.

Video Description/Transcript:

The video opens with Lori DeWindt, Coordinator here at the NCDHR. Lori is a Caucasian woman with long, light brown hair and glasses, and wearing a dark-colored top. Lori is positioned slightly off-center in front of a light blue wall. Behind her, there is a white filing cabinet with several books and a red object on top, as well as a few small pictures or notes pinned to the wall.

Lori, in ASL: “There are four main DWW outcomes: 1) Change in weight; 2) Change in Body Mass Index (BMI); 3) Change in Dietary Risk Assessment (DRA), and 4) Change in Physical Activity Assessment (PAA).

The video transitions into another slide with an image showing the title "DWW improves outcomes for:" displayed prominently at the top in bold black text. Below the title, four categories are presented horizontally, each with a corresponding image and label: "Weight," "BMI Score," "Dietary Habits," and "Physical Activity." The "Weight" section features an image of a person stepping onto a bathroom scale. The "BMI Score" section displays a colorful chart ranging from underweight to clinically obese, using green, yellow, orange, and red color zones. The "Dietary Habits" section shows a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy, arranged in an appealing layout. The "Physical Activity" section features cartoon illustrations of people engaged in various forms of exercise, such as running, jumping rope, swimming, and walking. The overall design visually supports the claim that the Deaf Weight Wise (DWW) program positively impacts multiple health-related behaviors and outcomes.

Lori continues: “So, these are the four outcomes. On the next slide, you will see two QR codes. These are links to the article we published in the Obesity Journal. In addition to the written publication, we have an ASL video of that publication for Deaf community members to watch and learn about our work and the results.”

The video transitions into another slide with an image from a research presentation and publication in the journal Obesity, titled "Deaf Weight Wise: A novel randomized clinical trial with Deaf sign language users." At the top left, the Obesity journal logo and the subtitle "A Research Journal" are shown on a purple background. On the right side, the logo of The Obesity Society is displayed alongside a QR code. Another QR code appears on the lower left side of the slide. Beneath the title are three main sections. On the left, a photo collage shows individuals participating in physical activities such as lifting weights and exercising, emphasizing the practical, participatory nature of the program. In the center, Lori, a Caucasian woman, is describing the weekly activities of the study, with a subtitle that reads, “Each week included activities such as ‘Taste it.’” On the right, Earl, an African American man also describing the diagram explaining the randomized study design. The graphic depicts two groups: an "Experimental Group" receiving the intervention immediately and a "Control Group" with a delayed start. The subtitle below him reads, “right away whereas the Delayed group would wait a full year,” clarifying the study's phased implementation. The image as a whole emphasizes the accessibility and inclusivity of the study design, particularly for the Deaf community, through both visuals and signed communication.

The video ends with a final slide image that displays a green background featuring various contact details and social media platforms for the National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR). At the top left, there is an icon of a laptop screen with the text "www." followed by the website URL urmc.edu/ncdhr. On the top right, there is a blue Facebook logo next to the link facebook.com/rochesterprc. In the middle-left section, there is a circular blue icon of an envelope, indicating email contact, with the address NCDHR@urmc.rochester.edu. To the right of this is the Instagram handle , next to the multicolored Instagram logo. At the bottom left, a gray icon of a smartphone represents video phone (VP) contact with the number (585) 228-2299. Finally, at the bottom right, a link to their YouTube channel is provided: youtube.com/user/NCDHRResearch, accompanied by the red and white YouTube logo.

09/24/2025

Do you want to learn more about Deaf Weight Wise (DWW)? Are you curious about how it’s structured? What’s involved? In this video, Lori (NCDHR Research Coordinator) lays out how DWW started, what it looks like, and what participants can learn from DWW.

Note: this is being shared for information-sharing purposes only, we are not currently enrolling participants into DWW.

Accessibility notes - video is provided in ASL with English subtitles, full transcript included with the video description below.

Video Description/Transcript:

The video begins with an image on a plain white background and bold black text in the center that reads, “What is Deaf Weight Wise (DWW)?” In the bottom left corner, there is a logo for the National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR), with additional text underneath stating, “National Center for Deaf Health Research, Rochester Prevention Research Center.” On the bottom right, there are three circular icons: a green heart with a check mark, a stylized network of green and purple figures, and a green plate with a fork, representing themes of health and community. Below these icons is faint text that reads “Deaf Weight Wise.”

The video transitions to Lori, a Caucasian woman with long light brown hair and glasses, wearing a dark-colored top. She is positioned slightly off-center in front of a light blue wall. Behind her, there is a white filing cabinet with several books and a red object on top, as well as a few small pictures or notes pinned to the wall.

Lori begins in ASL: “CDC funding opportunity led to the first-ever Deaf Weight Wise (DWW) Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT). What is DWW? DWW is an evidence-based intervention related to managing a healthy weight among deaf-ASL users. DWW was first adapted from University of North Carolina where they performed research study with their group. We then used their curriculum and adapted it for users within the Deaf community. For our Counselors, we use the deaf-to-deaf (peer) model which means Counselors who are Deaf themselves interacts with audience of deaf-ASL users to discuss about DWW. It is a 16-week program with a maintenance phase. During the 16-week program, teams meet for one 2-hour session each week. Discussion revolves around different types of healthy lifestyle information related to food, how to count calories and here is a list of the many different topics that the curriculum addresses.”

The video transitions into another slide with an image, showing this question “What is Deaf Weight Wise (DWW)?” on the top, and describes that the program is adapted from the Weight Wise program at the University of North Carolina and the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). It states that all DWW counselors are Deaf and fluent in ASL, trained by Deaf DWW trainers, and that participants are also Deaf ASL users. The program consists of a 16-week intervention with 2-hour weekly sessions focused on healthy lifestyle information and a motivational interviewing approach. A colored timeline graphic illustrates the program phases: a 16-week intervention period followed by a 6-month maintenance phase. The maintenance phase includes support through emails, VideoPhone calls, and two in-person group meetings with DWW counselors and group members. On the right side of the slide is a list of all 16 weekly session topics, covering areas such as nutrition, stress management, support, and motivation. At the bottom are logos for the National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR), the University of Rochester Medical Center, and the Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI).

Lori continues: “Counselors use a Motivational Interviewing approach which means they would work with their group to help them identify their goals and at the same time, teach new information to support them through their journey. After the 16-week period, the group transitions into the maintenance phase. This is also in person; however Counselor will check in once a month remotely send bi-weekly emails with four questions and run two in-person groups during the 3rd and 6th month for the maintenance sessions.”

The video ends with a final slide image that displays a green background featuring various contact details and social media platforms for the National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR). At the top left, there is an icon of a laptop screen with the text "www." followed by the website URL urmc.edu/ncdhr. On the top right, there is a blue Facebook logo next to the link facebook.com/rochesterprc. In the middle-left section, there is a circular blue icon of an envelope, indicating email contact, with the address NCDHR@urmc.rochester.edu. To the right of this is the Instagram handle , next to the multicolored Instagram logo. At the bottom left, a gray icon of a smartphone represents video phone (VP) contact with the number (585) 228-2299. Finally, at the bottom right, a link to their YouTube channel is provided: youtube.com/user/NCDHRResearch, accompanied by the red and white YouTube logo.

09/22/2025

Rochester friends, our local Deaf Awareness Week kicked off last Friday, check out this week's list of events via https://www.rdaw.org/

Be sure to follow the RDAW page linked below for updates!

09/15/2025

To our NCDHR friends, we want to provide you with a direct and transparent update on our current funding. Our current 5-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started in 2024. As we finish our first year, we've learned that our second year of funding is now uncertain due to several changes and grant cancellations.

Please see our video message from Earl Allen and Lori DeWindt, Coordinators here at the NCDHR. Video is in ASL with English subtitles, full transcript available in video description below.

If we don’t receive our Year 2 funding by the end of September, the NCDHR will plan to close on October 31, 2025.

Please know that our team is already working to secure new funding, with the goal of resuming our research as early as summer 2026. If we do receive the Year 2 funding, our work will continue without any interruption.

We're so grateful for your continued support. We'll share more updates as soon as we can. For any questions, you can contact us at ncdhr@urmc.rochester.edu or VP (585) 228-2299.

Video description: The video begins with a title slide on a white background. The top of the slide shows green texts that read, “NCDHR National Center for Deaf Health Research” with its ‘health’ logo on the left. On the right is the “UNIVERSITY of ROCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER” logo with the institution’s insignia on the left. The middle of the slide shows blue text that reads, “Update to Community September 2025”. The bottom of the slide shows green text with the name “Earl Allen” on the left and “Lori DeWindt” on the right.

Throughout the video there will be two individuals engaged in a conversation, providing an update. On the left is Earl Allen, a dark-skinned man in a blue polo shirt. On the right is Lori DeWindt, a light-skinned woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black tee. They are seated at a table in a modern, bright room with large windows offering a window view of Strong Memorial Hospital (various buildings). This setting, along with the University of Rochester (UR) logo at the very bottom right corner, remains throughout the video.

[Earl Allen and Lori DeWindt greet with “Hello”]
(Earl, in ASL) We wanted to take time to provide an update to our community-wide audience regarding the activities of the NCDHR. We have been in regular communication with our community partners throughout this process and are following their advice to provide transparent updates with our community at large. The NCDHR has been funded as a Prevention Research Center (PRC) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 2004. In our recent cycles (5-years each), you have seen us develop our Deaf Health Survey, run two Deaf Weight Wise (DWW) Randomized Clinical Trials, and for the last 5-6 years, we have focused on implementation research, studying what helps or hurts research from becoming adopted community practices, specifically, how to make the DWW Intervention become community-led programming.
[Image showing NCDHR funding in four 5-year blocks from 2004- present. Blocks for 1- Deaf Health Survey, 2- Deaf Weight Wise, 3- Deaf Weight Wise 2.0, 4- Deaf Weight Wise Western and Central NY]

(Lori, in ASL) We have collaborated with partners locally here in Western and Central NY, especially Rochester, and more recently, we have begun to form partnerships with Deaf communities nationwide and we are grateful for all we have learned and achieved together. In the fall of 2024, we announced a new cycle that would allow us to focus on the studying of DWW implementation research with nationwide partners.
[Image showing clip of September 2024 funding announcement with Earl Allen and Kelly Matthews, link: https://youtu.be/mOxs82dFSHc?si=51-Rkl3I3hZcJpdl]
(Lori) We received a 5-year grant in 2024, but the CDC gives us money one year at a time. [Image showing five, 1-year blocks: October to September for each year 2024-2029]

This year, the CDC has gone through many changes and has had to cancel many grants. As a result of this, our communication with the CDC has been minimal. We are currently operating on Year 1 funding, but we have yet to receive concrete updates about what will happen beyond this year. We think it is possible that we will not receive Year 2 funding. Because of that, we think it is important to communicate our potential plans as our Year 1 ends.
[Image showing five, 1-year blocks, Year 1 shaded as funded, the others with “?”]

(Earl) As mentioned in our original 2024-2029 announcement, we have planned for a 5-year project. Our current project and funding year ends in September 2025.
There is a lot of uncertainty about what comes next because there has been no official communication from the CDC. If Year 2 funding is not received by the end of September, the NCDHR will plan to close on October 31, 2025.
[Image showing five, 1-year blocks, Year 1 with “funding received”, Year 2 with “NCDHR closes, October 2025,” remaining years are blacked out]

(Lori) During the last few months, our team has been planning for this potential loss in funding and is preparing to submit proposals in October for different funding that we would receive as early as summer 2026. This means in the event the NCDHR closes, we may be able to return from a gap in funding.
[Image showing months October 2025- June 2026 shaded as “closed,” July 2026 labeled as “funding received, NCDHR opens”]

(Lori) If we receive our Year 2 funding, there will be no gap in activities. [Image showing five, 1-year blocks, Years 1 and 2 shaded as “funding received”]

In that case, we will continue to apply for research activities that best fit NCDHR and our communities’ mission. We will continue to provide updates, please reach out with your questions. Thank you all for your ongoing commitment and contributions to the NCDHR.

The video ends with a final slide image that displays a green background featuring various contact details and social media platforms for the National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR). At the top left, there is an icon of a laptop screen with the text "www." followed by the website URL urmc.edu/ncdhr. On the top right, there is a blue Facebook logo next to the link facebook.com/rochesterprc. In the middle-left section, there is a circular blue icon of an envelope, indicating email contact, with the address NCDHR@urmc.rochester.edu. To the right of this is the Instagram handle , next to the multicolored Instagram logo. At the bottom left, a gray icon of a smartphone represents video phone (VP) contact with the number (585) 228-2299. Finally, at the bottom right, a link to their YouTube channel is provided: youtube.com/user/NCDHRResearch, accompanied by the red and white YouTube logo.
-end

09/11/2025

Rochester Deaf community: see you tomorrow at the Rochester Red Wings game for their annual Deaf Culture Night!

The game begins at 6:05 p.m., with ceremonial first pitches thrown by RIT President Bill Sanders and NTID President Caroline Solomon. The event will include a silent inning, and both the National Anthem and God Bless America will be performed in American Sign Language. ASL interpreters will be available throughout the stadium.

Tickets are available for purchase on the Red Wings website, with 100-level seating discounted to $18.50 and 200-level seating discounted to $13.00. Use promo code DEAF to purchase discounted tickets: https://brnw.ch/21wVB5w
Note: You can purchase a ticket package that includes your ticket to the game and a Deaf Culture t-shirt for $38.00 in 200-level seating and $43.00 in 100-level seating: https://brnw.ch/21wVB5v

08/28/2025

Our team and members of Rochester’s Deaf communities came together to host Deaf Strong Hospital last week.

Deaf Strong Hospital (DSH) is a role-reversal exercise, conducted for first-year medical students from the University of Rochester's School of Medicine & Dentistry.

In this role-playing exercise, the medical students become "patients" who seek medical attention from healthcare "providers," who are members of the local Deaf Community. Overcoming and understanding communication challenges are the main objectives of this exercise. Students also received a lecture from URMC's own Dr. Carolyn Stern, focused on Deaf Culture and the Deaf experience in various health care systems.

THANK YOU to those involved, this event would not be possible without community representation 💛 *yellow heart emoji*

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – First-year medical students at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry participated in a unique role reversal exercise called “Deaf Strong Hospital,” Friday. This event, held in the Sarah Flaum Atrium on Elmwood Avenue, aimed to help students understand t...

08/14/2025

We are still winding down from last week’s Deaf Seniors of America Conference! A huge thank you to all who visited our booth, attended our presentation, and simply made time to connect, we truly enjoyed meeting all of you.

Pictured here- center staff and community partners. Left to right: Kelly Matthews, Karen Beiter, Lori DeWindt, Lisa DeWindt-Sommer, and Earl Allen.

As a reminder, if you would like a copy of our slides “Moving at Any Age: Physical Activity and Your Health,” send us an email at NCDHR@urmc.rochester.edu

The 2027 Deaf Seniors of America conference will be held in Baltimore, MD.

Image description: A square image- at the top, a header features the logo "dsa 2025" with the tagline "Empowering Our Future" above a stylized cityscape skyline. Beneath that, text indicates the "18th Biennial Conference," its location ("Kansas City, MO"), and the sponsoring organization, "Deaf Seniors of America."
The main part of the image is a photograph of five people, four women and one man, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in front of a blue backdrop. The backdrop has the words "KANSAS CITY" at the top and "FROM THE HEART" in large lettering beneath. The individuals are all smiling and appear to be at a conference or event, as they all wear name badges. The women are wearing varying styles of tops and pants; the man is wearing a coral-colored polo shirt and jeans. From left to right: Kelly Matthews (navy top), Karen Bieter (green top with flowers), Lori DeWindt (light blue tee), Lisa DeWindt-Sommer (royal blue top with grey cardigan), and Earl Allen (coral polo shirt).
At the very bottom, there's a blue footer with the logo for the "National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR)" and a sub-heading specifying it’s the "Rochester Prevention Research Center.” [end]

08/05/2025

Are you at the Deaf Seniors of America Conference? If yes, join Center staff and community partners tomorrow at 3:30pm-4:15pm in the Andy Kirk Room on the third floor. We will be discussing the importance of physical activity- at any age! Hope to see you there!

[Image description] of a slide with a lime green background and black text, "Moving at Any Age: Physical Activity and Your Health." The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm in the Andy Kirk Room (3rd floor). The event is the 2025 Deaf Seniors of America Conference, and the National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR) logo in white is on the bottom center. The slide includes two headshots. On the left, a headshot of Earl Allen, a man with glasses, wearing a burgundy collared shirt. His name and credentials ("Earl Allen, BA") are printed below his photo. On the right, a headshot of Kelly Matthews, a woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a dark blazer. Her name and credentials ("Kelly Matthews, MPH") are printed below her photo. [end]

08/04/2025

We are here at the Deaf Seniors of America Conference. Yesterday’s opening of the Exhibit Hall was a great success, we look forward to meeting more of you while here!

Exhibits are free and open to all TODAY until 5pm, Tuesday 9am-5pm, and Wednesday 9am-5pm. Hope to see you!

To learn more about DSA 2025, visit: https://www.deafseniors.us/2025-conference

Image description: The photo shows three individuals standing behind a table at the Deaf Seniors of America Conference. The backdrop is an arrangement of red and golden-orange curtains. A sign clearly identifies the booth as belonging to the "National Center for Deaf Health Research" with a number "403" visible. Three people in the photo are NCDHR staff. From left to right, the first is Lori, a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing glasses and a bright pink t-shirt. Kelly is in the middle, a woman with shoulder-length light brown hair, wearing a lavender blouse with short sleeves. Last (but not least), Earl Allen, a man with short dark hair, wearing glasses and a maroon polo shirt. The NCDHR display table is in front of them with various printed materials, including flyers, NCDHR-branded tote bags and lip balms.

08/03/2025

We are attending this year's Deaf Seniors of America conference in Kansas City, MO! Starting today, and until Wednesday evening, you can visit Center staff and community partners in the Exhibit Hall #403. We look forward to meeting you!

Image description: The poster is predominantly white and dark blue. At the top, the logo "dsa 2025" is prominently displayed, along with the tagline "Empowering Our Future" in a stylized script font. Below this, a black silhouette of the Kansas City skyline is depicted. Underneath the skyline, the text "18th Biennial Conference • Kansas City, MO" and "Deaf Seniors of America" are clearly visible.
The main body reads "Exhibits open to all!" followed by a schedule of when the exhibits will be open: Sunday (12 pm-5 pm), Monday-Wednesday (9 am-5 pm). Further down, it indicates that booth #403 is located in the Count Basie Foyer. Lastly, a green banner at the bottom displays the logo "NCDHR" (National Center for Deaf Health Research, Rochester Prevention Research Center).

08/02/2025

Looking for something to do this weekend? Kelly (one of our Research Coordinators) suggests a walk in Highland Park with a visit to the Lamberton Conservatory!

Highland Park (150-acres) is one of several parks in the Rochester area, was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, and is FREE to visit. The Lamberton Conservatory provides an indoor tropical oasis with exotic plants and is FREE for children under 5. Other prices range from $2-$4.

Learn about Highland Park here: www.highlandparkconservancy.org
Plan your visit to the Conservatory: www.monroecounty.gov/parks-conservatory

Image description: A four-part image showcasing various aspects of a park and garden setting. The top left section shows a portion of a park with a mix of trees and bushes. There's a light gray wooden park bench situated centrally in the frame, the backdrop is a light blue sky. The top right section is a similar park scene, featuring a pathway that leads through more trees and bushes. The foliage appears in various shades of green and pink, and the path is a light gray color, the sky here is also light blue. The bottom left portion focuses on a plumeria plant with vibrant yellow and pink flowers in bloom. Dark green leaves surround the flower. The background shows a weathered wooden wall. The bottom right section is a close-up shot of a vibrant hibiscus flower. The flower is a mix of shades of pink and yellow, with darker deep pink and purplish undertones in the center, surrounded by contrasting green leaves. The background suggests an enclosure, which is the Lamberton Conservatory.

07/31/2025

🚤 Explore the Genesee River & Erie Canal — With ASL Interpretation!

Looking for a fun and accessible local getaway?

Corn Hill Navigation is offering ASL-interpreted cruises from August through October aboard the Riverie, departing from downtown Rochester. These scenic boat rides are a relaxing way to explore the Genesee River and the historic Erie Canal.

💬 ASL interpretation is available
🧏‍♂️ Fully accessible experience
💵 Tickets range from $20–$55, depending on age and eligibility (students, seniors, etc.)

🛥️ Earl, NCDHR’s Research Coordinator, recently went with his wife, Alesia—and they had a blast!

Check out a few snapshots from their cruise below:

📸 Image Descriptions:

1. Earl and his wife smiling in front of the Riverie boat docked at Corn Hill Landing.

2. Earl taking a selfie on the boat, with calm river water and tree-lined banks in the background (Earl's wife is also peeking behind him).

3. Earl and his wife smiling on the boat with a view of Rochester city behind.

4. A scenic view of downtown Rochester, including the iconic Frederick Douglass–Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge and reflected city skyline on the river at golden hour.

✨ You can book your own adventure now and enjoy Rochester from a whole new perspective!

🔗 cornhillnav.org/accessibility

Don’t wait—spots fill fast!