Western Mass DHILS - Viability

04/24/2026

04/23/2026

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📣 Register Now — Understanding Social Security Benefits for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community!
Are you receiving Social Security benefits and unsure how they work? Or wondering how employment might affect your SSDI?
Join us for a two-part live Zoom webinar with Melinni Taylor, Deaf Benefits Specialist!
📅 Session 1 — Friday, May 22, 2026
🕔 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Pacific Time
📋 Social Security Benefits: Overview & Guide
📅 Session 2 — Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Pacific Time
📋 Working While on SSDI: Protecting Your Benefits
✅ Fully in ASL
✅ Deaf-Led
✅ Zoom Webinar
✅ Not recorded — attend live!
💰 Registration:
🔹 Session 1 only — $49
🔹 Session 2 only — $69
⭐ Bundle (Both Sessions) — $99 Best Value
👉 Register here: https://blc.ticketbud.com/understanding-social-security-benefits

04/21/2026

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Recruiting Massachusetts Deaf Community Members with Lived Mental Health Experience!
WHO CAN JOIN? 
(All Are Required)
-Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or Hard of Hearing 
-18 years or older 
-Lived mental health experience
-Need for MA mental health crisis services in past 5 years 
WHAT TO EXPECT 
-Interview on Zoom
-60-90 minutes long
-$100 Amazon gift card 
-Opportunity to share your experiences and stories!
INTERESTED?
Email felicia.mcginnia@umassmed.edu

Visual description in the comments.

04/16/2026

Viability staff, Renee Coutts and Anthony Russo, attended the transition fair at Willie Ross School for the Deaf, where they hosted a table and shared information about our Deaf and Hard of Hearing services and available resources.

They enjoyed connecting with students and having the opportunity to talk about how our program can provide support.

Thank you to Willie Ross School for the Deaf for having us and allowing us to collaborate!

04/14/2026

Community Legal Aid

04/14/2026

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible between 2 PM and 8 PM Tuesday across northwest CT/MA. Damaging winds may down trees and powerlines. Storms will weaken as they track into RI and eastern MA.