DRM Deaf Services

04/08/2026

Spark dance program will be offering a community dance class next week with new teachers that will include ASL interpretation!

The class that has an interpreter will be Friday, April 17 at 10:30-12pm.

The venue in Brunswick is completely accessible with an elevator.

The class is by donation, and we turn no one away for lack of funds. This will be a great chance for people to come and try out a class and meet new crew of teachers.

Email sparkdanceprogram@gmail.com for more information.

Join us for DanceAbility Community Classes at

April 17 & 18

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
2:00 - 3:30 PM

The DanceAbility Method invites people of all bodies and abilities to experience dance together. Through improvisation, we dissolve barriers, connect, and explore movement in community.

Come meet our amazing new teachers and join us in an inclusive, welcoming space.

Suggested donation: $15
No one turned away for lack of funds
All ages welcome

Register now through the link in bio 💫

03/26/2026

Check out the April 2025 Deaf Services E-VENTS newsletter!

Peer Support Group (PSG) is a monthly gathering for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities who use signs and gestures to communicate. Join us on Tuesday, March 31st at 10am for “Games Time!” This special event will be held in Portland, at Fallbrook Commons. We will play bingo, gam...

03/24/2026

Lunch & Learn: Resources to Work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
April 1st, 12:00 - 1:00 pm on Zoom

MaineHealth Behavioral Health, Maine Department of Labor, and Disability Rights Maine are partnering to host a monthly Lunch & Learn. During these Lunch & Learn sessions resources to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students will be shared. The sessions will be held on the first Wednesday of the month from March - June 2026. Sessions are:

March 4
April 1
May 6
June 3

Have questions or want to register? Send an email to:
Sitara Sheikh, VR Counselor at Sitara.N.Sheikh@maine.gov
or
Sazza Carter, Case Manager at Sazza.Carter@mainehealth.org

The Zoom link will be provided after you register. Interpreters are provided for these sessions.

03/13/2026

What does it mean if I am at a higher health risk?

Sometimes you will hear people say that having certain diagnoses or habits can put you at a higher risk of getting sick or hurt. But what does it mean to be at a higher risk? How do you know if you are a higher risk? This video will explain what it means to be a higher health risk, things you can do to keep yourself safe and healthy, and questions to ask your doctor to better understand your health risk.

Transcript:
What does it mean if your doctor tells you that you are at a higher health risk? It means that you are more likely to experience or develop a disease or health issue compared to the general population. Being at a higher health risk is often due to things like:
• Age
• Family history (does someone else in your family also have that health issue?)
• Lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, or not wearing a seatbelt.
• Or medical conditions you already have that might increase your risk (such as high blood pressure or asthma)

What should you do if you are at a higher health risk?
• You can make lifestyle changes like eating healthy food, exercising regularly (like going on daily walks), being mindful of your stress, and avoiding smoking.
• See your doctor every year for your annual check up and get the recommended health screenings. Blood tests, mammograms, and colonoscopies are some examples of health screenings. The screenings can vary depending on your age. Your doctor can also help you manage medical conditions you already have (such as asthma or high blood pressure) to help reduce your risk of developing further issues.
• Use your self-advocacy skills with your providers if you have concerns.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to better understand your health risks and what you can do to reduce your risk:
• What are my health risks? Are these risks short term, or something I need to be aware of for my whole life?
• What can I do to reduce my risks?
• What are options I should consider? These can be things like medications or other treatments, screenings, getting more exercise, or changing the way you eat.
• How will these options reduce or impact my risk?
• Are there side effects or other things I should be aware of when I consider these options?

For more information, click the link in the description below the video.

Being aware of what makes you at higher risk and options to reduce that risk are important to your health!

02/24/2026

Tax season is here! Appts are still available for ASL Tax Day on March 7th. Want free help to file your taxes this year? Contact DRM Deaf Services at tminch@drme.org or VP 207-805-7027!

CA$H Greater Portland, an initiative of United Way of Southern Maine , partners with DRM Deaf Services each year to hold ASL Tax Day. ASL Tax Day offers free assistance to Deaf Mainers to file your taxes. Don't leave money on the table! Contact us for an appt.

CA$H stands for: Creating Assets Savings and Hope



[Image description: Flyer on a white background with the Disability Rights Maine Deaf Services logo in the bottom left and United Way of Southern Maine logo in the bottom right. In the top right is the ASL interpretation symbol. Text reads "Appointments still available: ASL Tax Day. Free help to file your taxes. Saturday, March 7 (Snow date March 14). 500 Forest Ave, Portland ME. RSVP to Tommy at tminch@drme.org VP 207-805-7027."]

12/10/2025

DRG is sadly cancelled tonight due to weather. Stay safe out there! We will reschedule for a new date TBD!

12/10/2025

Our friends at Maine Association of the Deaf have just released these informational videos about Maine's 911 & 988 resources in ASL. Please check them out and spread the word.

Text to 911 saves lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERs-HPMF7q0&list=PLq9u05kZIuchatAPL_pz3PvHXb5DOFIKc

988 call to action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53IfKxue7w&list=PLq9u05kZIuciCPXIUcJ8iSSH-_Bp27Yyp&index=1

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

12/05/2025

The Deaf Rights Group invites everyone to celebrate DRG’s 30th birthday! We will also be joined by the Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency as guest presenters. This is an open meeting to share information, discuss systemic needs, and celebrate the accomplishments of the Deaf Community in Maine. Your voice and participation matter—come and join us and be part of the conversation!

The meeting will take place from 4-6pm at the Maine Resiliency Center, 184 Main Street, Lewiston.

ASL interpreters provided.

Questions? Contact: mames@drme.org or VP 207-802-7024

Image Description: The image shows a colorful background with Disability Rights Maine's logo in the upper right corner, a birthday cake in the lower right corner, and the interpreter symbol in the lower left corner. The text says:
Deaf Rights Group
Wed. Dec 10th 4-6pm
Location: Maine Resiliency Center, 184 Main St., Lewiston
Guest Presenter: Androscoggin County Emergency Management Agency
Join us in celebrating 30 years of DRG!
Contact: Michelle Ames mames@drme.org
VP 207-803-7024

11/25/2025

November is Assistive Technology month!

One of our assistive tech programs is the Telecommunications Equipment Program, which was established by state law to provide no- or low-cost adaptive phone equipment to any Maine resident who cannot use their home’s conventional telephone due to a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability.

Learn more on our website at https://drme.org/our-services/programs/deaf-services/

11/05/2025

A federal judge has spurned President Donald Trump’s move to get rid of American Sign Language interpreters for certain White House briefings.

10/24/2025

🕯 Join Us — October 24 at 4 PM

The community is invited to gather at the bridge near Veterans Memorial Park for a visible show
of remembrance.

• “We Remember” signs and a sign-making station
• Candles and Remembrance Bags
• Stand together — or drive by and honk in support

Together, we begin 24 Hours of Remembrance.

One Lewiston. Together, We Remember.

|

FMI: https://onelewiston.org/commemoration-event/

ID: Maine outline dark blue. Text: “One Lewiston. Together, We Remember.” And ASL ILY hand sign with heart. 10/24–4 PM-Longley Bridge. Hashtags:

10/17/2025

DRM is so proud of our Deaf Services Program Director, Michelle Ames, on her work to curate this exhibit.

The curators wanted to create a place for healing as the 2-year anniversary of the tragedy approaches.