Deaf DAWN in DC

10/16/2025

“As you know, our bodies react to the changes happening in the world. How often do we truly listen? Yoga is an amazing tool to help us practice that." Says the participant.

What an incredible day of healing and connection! Thank you to everyone who joined our "LUV Your Body: A Yoga Workshop" yesterday. We are especially grateful to for hosting us and to Yoga Instructor Raymona Azrelyant for guiding us through a beautiful practice focused on strength, self-love, and finding peace all through

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month ( ), creating an space for self-love and body awareness is a vital act. We hope you walked away feeling the benefits of relaxation, empowerment, and healing through movement.

Remember, you are worthy of a safe and supportive space.

Video + Image Description:

Each person stands in front of a bright orange mural featuring a large, colorful bear in a meditative pose with its hands pressed together. The bear is painted in vibrant shades of yellow, pink, green, blue, and purple. The mood is cheerful and relaxed, with the bold mural adding an energetic, artistic backdrop.

10/10/2025

Our office will be closed this Monday, October 13, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We acknowledge and honor the resilience of indigenous survivors and the communities they continue to lead.

We will return the office hours on Tuesday, October 14

If you experience a crisis, please contact:

The Deaf Hotline Advocates
www.the deaf hotline.org
(202-812-1002)

D.C. Sage/Victims Hotline (call/text (1-844-443-5732)

Chat Online
CHAT.victimsofcrime.org/dvictim

House of Ruth, Maryland
24-hour hotline
(410-889-7884)

Medical Emergency, call 911”

Image Description:
A light blue background features a white square box in the center. At the top of the box is the DAWN logo. Below the logo, it states: “Office Closed Indigenous Peoples’ Day” The date and time are noted as “Monday, September 13th” At the bottom, it indicates: “We will return office hours on Tuesday , October 14, 2025”

10/09/2025

The DAWN team had an amazing time presenting to the Howard University ASL Club on “Signs, Safety, and Support: Domestic Violence Awareness Month for the Deaf Community.”

Students learned about how domestic violence impacts Deaf survivors and explored ways to support our community in seeking help. Through the “In Their Shoes” activity, they stepped into the role of a Deaf survivor navigating barriers and communication challenges all through ASL.

It was an insightful and empowering experience for everyone involved. Thank you, Howard ASL Club, for showing up with curiosity, compassion, and allyship! 💜

Slide 1:

A group of fifteen people pose together in a classroom, smiling warmly at the camera. Behind them, a projected slide on the wall reads “Signs, Safety, and Support: DVAM for the Deaf Community” with the DAWN logo visible. The group includes DAWN team members and Howard University ASL Club students, standing and kneeling in front of a whiteboard under bright indoor lighting.

Slide 2:

Five students sit around a table participating in the “In Their Shoes” activity. One student holds up a yellow card while the others listen and engage in discussion. Several yellow cards are spread across the table in a bright classroom setting.

Slide 3:

Students sit attentively in a classroom as three presenters from DAWN lead a presentation at the front. A slide projected on the wall reads “Your Role in Supporting Others.” The atmosphere is focused and engaging, with participants watching and signing in ASL.

Slide 4:

A bright hallway at Howard University featuring large illuminated letters “HU” on a red, white, and blue wall. The modern space has wood-patterned flooring with red and purple geometric accents and sleek overhead lighting.

10/06/2025

✨ Impactful.
🙏🏽 Humbled.
🔥 Inspired AF.
🌱 Transformative.
💡 Mind-blowing.
📚 Educational.
🧠 Learning experience.

The DAWN team just completed a 3-day DeafBlind Accessibility training led by Yashaira Romilus and Roberto Cabrera. Together, we deepened our understanding of how to effectively communicate with and support DeafBlind survivors centering trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally responsive practices.

We’re leaving this experience grounded, inspired, and ready to strengthen accessibility within our work and community. Their training comes highly recommended for any organization seeking to advance true accessibility and equity!

Slide 1:

A group of nine people are gathered in a warmly lit modern lounge space. Three people are sitting on a dark leather sofa in front, and six people are standing behind them, smiling for the camera. The room features stylish furniture, including woven chairs, a fluffy rug, and contemporary lighting fixtures. Large windows in the background let in natural light, and the overall atmosphere feels friendly and professional.

Slide 2:

A group of ten people are seated in a circle in a cozy, modern meeting space. They appear to be engaged in an in-depth discussion, with two people in the center actively signing and others attentively watching. The room has comfortable brown leather chairs, warm lighting, and a calm atmosphere that encourages communication and connection.

09/25/2025

October is just around the corner, and that means it's Domestic Violence Awareness Month! We invite each of you to join us for our Wellness Wednesday events as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and gather as a community.

We are offering three different events, so please check out the flyers and register through the link in our bio.

We look forward to seeing all of you come together!

Registration link: https://forms.gle/dhMsfT4c13r1idmU8

Image description:

1/3: A soft pink flyer with cherry blossom branches and scattered pink and white flowers announces “Spot of Tea: Paint & Sip!” in large blue curved text at the top. Below, three tilted photo frames are arranged diagonally. The left image shows hands painting on canvas easels with paintbrushes. The center image shows an overhead view of watercolor paint trays, colored pencils, a copper tea mug, and an open notebook with the painted phrase “is her tea.” The right image displays colorful clear plastic cups of tea labeled “Spot of Tea,” in green, pink, and purple hues. Under the images, the event date is October 8, 2025, time is 2–5 PM, and location is 2101 P Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037. The body text in black explains the calming and healing effects of tea and painting, encouraging creativity and emotional expression while celebrating DAWN’s 25th anniversary. A blue sentence in all caps reads “ALL SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED.” White text on a navy blue box at the bottom says, “For accommodations, please email us at info@deafdawn.org”. At the bottom are two logos: one circular with “Spot of Tea” in pink and purple cursive, and the other with “dawn” in gradient blue lowercase letters.

Continue the image description in comments below

08/28/2025

Our office will be closed tomorrow and Monday for Labor Day weekend.

If you experience a crisis, please contact:

The Deaf Hotline Advocates
www.the deaf hotline.org
(202-812-1002)

D.C. Sage/Victims Hotline (call/text (1-844-443-5732)

Chat Online
CHAT.victimsofcrime.org/dvictim

House of Ruth, Maryland
24-hour hotline
(410-889-7884)

Medical Emergency, call 911”

Image Description:
A light blue background features a white square box in the center. At the top of the box is the DAWN logo. Below the logo, it states: “Office Closed Labor Day weekend” The date and time are noted as “Friday, August 29th and September 1st 2025” At the bottom, it indicates: “We will return office hours on Tuesday , September 2nd 2025.”

08/21/2025

While we’re away, our availability will be limited, so we’ll check messages when we can. Please email us at hotline@deafdawn.org or info@deafdawn.org, or leave a SignMail. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

If you are in crisis, please contact:

Deaf Hotline Advocate: thedeafhotline.org (http://thedeafhotline.org/) | 202-812-1002

DC SAFE / Victims Hotline: 1-844-443-5732 (call/text) | chat.victimsofcrime.org/dcvictim (http://chat.victimsofcrime.org/dcvictim)

House of Ruth Maryland: 410-889-7884 (24/7)

Medical Emergency: Call 911

Thank you for your patience and support! 💜

08/19/2025

Thanks to Starbucks partners (employees), Deaf DAWN, and The Starbucks Foundation for recognizing how we are making our communities stronger. This grant will support us in providing survivor centered services to Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and Late Deafened folks who experience abuse.

Image Description: Five (5) smiling staff pose together in front of a storefront adorned with vibrant pink cherry blossom trees. The group stands on the steps, radiating joy and camaraderie. The white woman wears her short, brown hair parted down the middle in the foreground takes the selfie, wearing a maroon top with hoop earrings, while the others stand behind her: one in a light sea foam green top and ripped jeans, another in a burgundy shirt and black pants, the fourth in an olive green jumpsuit, and the fifth in a black dress with bright orange locs. The scene captures a lively, cheerful moment of joy and connection against a colorful, floral backdrop.

07/29/2025

July is

We celebrate the strength of every survivor’s journey. Disability justice embodies the essence of survivor justice, honoring LGBTQIA2S+ disabled survivors. Their identities and bodies deserve safety, access, and joy.

ID (1/4):

1/4: a white square with bold black text in the center says “July is Disability Pride Month” the boxer is a vibrant rainbow gradient transiting from red to yellow, green, teal and purple. DAWN’s logo shows in the bottom right corner in blue.

2/4: A white square with a rainbow gradient border. The text in bold back says: “Survivor-Centered Support for LGBTQIA2S+ Disabled Survivors,” followed by five bulleted sections:
Affirming All Identities, Trauma-Informed & Identity-Affirming, Community-Led & Culturally Grounded, Safety Planning and Healing on Our Own Terms. DAWN’s blue logo is in the bottom right.

3/4: A white square with a rainbow gradient border. The text in bold back says: “Stats You Should Know” followed by three bulleted sections: disabled people are 2-3x more likely to experience violence, disabled LGBTQIA2S+ survivors often face discrimination in shelters, hospitals, and services. LGBTQIA2S+ youth with disabilities are more likely to experience rejection by families or face housing instability, increasing the risk of violence.

4/4: A white square with black bold heading “RESOURCES” centered at the top. Below are phone numbers and contact info for LGBTQ+ survivor services in the DC area, including:
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center, DC Safe/Victims Hotline, Online Chat Link, House of Ruth Maryland (24/7), Emergency: Call 911A rainbow gradient border frames the graphic. DAWN’s logo is at the bottom right.

07/18/2025

07/03/2025

Our office will be closed tomorrow and will reopen on Monday, July 7th.

If you experience a crisis, please contact:
The Deaf Hotline Advocates www.thedeafotline.org
(202-812-1002)
DC Safe/Victims Hotline
Call/text (844-443-5732)
Chat Online
CHAT.victimsofcrime.org/dcvictim
House of Ruth (Maryland)
24-hour hotline (410-889-7884)
Medical Emergency, Call 911

ID:
A teal backdrop features black lettering along with a tan square background. Two black lines are placed at the top to secure it. At the upper section, there is a DAWN logo. Below the logo, the notice states that the office will be closed on Friday, the 4th. At the bottom, it mentions that regular office hours will resume on Monday, July 7th, 2025.

06/18/2025

Our office is closed tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth. Wishing everyone a meaningful day of reflection and celebration.

ID: On a black background, there are yellow, green, and red wave stripes around the border. In the top middle, it says, “Our office is closed in recognition of the Juneteenth,” Underneath that, it says, “Freedom day.” At the bottom, it says, “We will return to office hours on Friday, June 2st.” And there’s the DAWN logo.