National Center for Deaf Health Research

11/19/2025

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that lung cancer often has no symptoms until it becomes more advanced?
This is why early detection is important; the earlier one is diagnosed, the sooner one can receive treatment.

Learn more about the screening process from the Center of Deaf Health Excellence

Please talk with your doctor (or other healthcare provider) to determine your risk for lung cancer and for screening options near you.

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

11/15/2025

A second post revisiting our experience at the Deaf Seniors of America conference this past August. Our team tabled the event, sharing information about our Deaf Weight Wise (DWW) program and connecting with community folks to discuss their health priorities and trends within their local communities. Many of you were interested in lifestyle changes to become healthier, and as we age, this becomes more of a priority. Thank you for taking the time to visit and learn about our work.

To learn more about Deaf Seniors of America, visit: https://www.deafseniors.us/

PS- DSA is hosting a survey with NAD to learn about the needs, challenges, and strengths of older adults- be sure to participate if you can!

11/08/2025

As part of our Year 1 review, we are revisiting our trip to the Deaf Seniors of America conference this past August in Kansas City, MO. While there, Kelly and Earl hosted a conference workshop, “Moving at Any Age: Physical Activity and Your Health.” Our session focused on the importance of physical activity throughout the lifespan, with an emphasis on our aging communities. We reviewed the current recommendations for physical activity, discussed the types and levels of intensity of different exercise styles, and provided resources for physical activity at home. Attendees had great questions, and we look forward to growing our network within DSA communities.

DSA’s next conference will be held in Baltimore, MD (2027).

A photo of staff and community partners at DSA 2025 (left to right): Kelly Matthews, Karen Beiter, Lori DeWindt, Lisa DeWindt-Sommer, and Earl Allen.

11/06/2025

Did you know? Food acts as medicine to maintain health and to prevent and treat diseases. Without access to food, our communities will see increased risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. We are sharing some resources and tips below from our Deaf Weight Wise program. The design was kept simple with intention. All links are provided with the text below.

1) Resources (with corresponding logos)
www.Findhelp.org [Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, etc.]
www.211.org [Connects to help that is local to you- where you are!]
www.Foodfinder.us [Use your Zip Code to find food pantries near you]
https://map.thefoodpantries.org [Location-based pantries, kitchens, mobile resources, etc. Note: website will not work with ‘www’]

2) Buy More for Less Money, followed by three tips: 1) Shop with a friend and share or split larger food items when you get home. 2) Buy fruits and vegetables in bulk: use what you can quickly, freeze into smaller servings, or preserve through canning. 3) Buy larger containers of items (like yogurt or cottage cheese) instead of small, single-serve containers. In between tips 2 and 3, there is an image of a freezer stocked with various fruits and vegetables in plastic bags and containers for storage.

Both images are white backgrounds with black text and have the National Center for Deaf Health Research (NCDHR) logo at the bottom.

11/04/2025

As we look forward to and plan our Year 2 adventures (from now until September 2026), we think it’s important to revisit the past year’s activities, starting with Deaf Strong Hospital (DSH) which was hosted on Friday, August 22nd this year.

DSH is an annual, immersive role-reversal event hosted by the NCDHR with members of our local Deaf communities. First-year medical students become the patients, and members of the Rochester Deaf communities become doctors, nurses, and provider staff, communicating only in American Sign Language (ASL). These photos provide a brief snapshot of the role-reversal exercise; when not in the exercise, students received a lecture on Deaf Culture and the Deaf Experience in Healthcare from URMC’s Dr. Carolyn Stern.

To learn more or become involved with future events, contact the NCDHR Team at NCDHR@urmc.rochester.edu

DSH album (9 photos, descriptions)
Photo 1: This is the entrance to our Deaf Strong Hospital event within Flaum Atrium at the Medical Center. There is a sign placed on the back of rows of chairs in what appears to be a waiting room. Some students are seated in the middle; some are waiting in line towards the right. A sign with texts “Welcome to Deaf Strong Hospital, founded 1998 by PAH MD (Promoting Awareness in Healthcare, Medical and Deaf- Rochester Chapter), followed by the NCDHR (National Center for Deaf Health Research) logo and information: www.urmc.edu/ncdhr, ncdhr@urmc.rochester.edu, VP 585-285-2776. The University of Rochester Medical Center insignia is in the bottom right corner.

Photo 2: Actors (two women wearing black shirts) interacting with a medical student, the student is wearing a white long-sleeved top with pink vest and clear glasses, the student appears to be signing in ASL, the letter “F” or number “9.” Signs behind the three people read “Waiting Area: Doctor’s Offices” and a few students are seated in the foreground. In the background, to the far right, another line is formed (in an opposing direction).

Photo 3: A ‘Receptionists’ Waiting Room’ environment during Deaf Strong Hospital with several people, predominantly young adults (students). The students are interacting with two older women and one older man that are staffing the table (DSH Actors, receptionists). In the background, signs reading "Doctor's Office," "No Voice," and "Waiting Area" are posted to assist with direction and communication during the event.

Photo 4: NCDHR staff, Earl Allen, wearing a black t-shirt, interacts with a student during the exercise, both are seated at a table and appear to be reading/preparing for their discussion. There is a privacy screen behind the student to emphasize privacy during their “Doctor’s Office” visit.

Photo 5: Four people seated at a table, on the left NCDHR staff, Kelly Matthews, and community actor (woman) are both wearing DSH black t-shirts and interacting with two students on the right. One student is wearing a light blue top with dark hair in a ponytail, they are facing the actor and appear to be signing the letter “O” or number “zero” or implying “none.” The second student is wearing a black top with white pinstripes and appears to be explaining that ‘being tired’ is one of her symptoms. (Cannot see clearly but this student is leaned into the right with their head resting on both hands.)

Photo 6: A large group of diverse students are gathered in a waiting room. The students are all dressed casually and have assigned stickers; the stickers are yellow or blue (squares on the chest). Students can be seen lining up and seated in front of a table with three DSH Actors (and service providers) wearing black t-shirts.

Photo 7: This a similar, yet alternate view of Photo 6. There are now 4 DSH Actors with black shirts sitting and standing behind a table, students are lining up and interacting with those at the table.

Photo 8: A group photograph of our actors, taken from an elevated angle looking down into the Flaum Atrium. All in the photo are wearing black T-shirts with light lettering reading "DEAF STRONG HOSPITAL 2025" and a smaller line underneath specifying "University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry." The group is diverse, with individuals composed of a range of ages, genders, and ethnicities. In the background, the Flaum Atrium is set up for the Deaf Strong Hospital event, complete with tables, chairs, and privacy screens.

Photo 9 is another group photo of Actors wearing black t-shirts with a logo that includes the words "Deaf Strong Hospital 2025" and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry logo. Many individuals are making silly faces and using playful hand gestures, including some variations of the "I love you" sign in ASL. The background shows tables, chairs, and privacy curtains which demonstrate the Deaf Strong Hospital event set-up.

10/23/2025

Did you know? The Deaf Weight Wise program (DWW) has one session focused primarily on how to eat healthily on a budget. We have adapted this material for sharing in consideration of the nationwide threats to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in November. Please share your own tips and resources in the comments!

This design was kept simple with intention. All links are provided with the text below.

Carousel of black text on white slides; minimal colors used, all slides include the NCDHR logo in green at the very bottom: National Center for Deaf Health Research: Rochester Prevention Research Center.

1) ‘Stretching your Dollars’ from the Deaf Weight Wise program (black and green logo), followed by the NCDHR logo in green (National Center for Deaf Health Research; Rochester Prevention Research Center.)

2) Resources (with corresponding logos)
www.Findhelp.org
www.211.org
www.Foodfinder.us
www.Map.thefoodpantries.org

3) Buy More for Less Money, followed by three tips: 1) Shop with a friend and share or split larger food items when you get home. 2) Buy fruits and vegetables in bulk: use what you can quickly, freeze into smaller servings, or preserve through canning. 3) Buy larger containers of items (like yogurt or cottage cheese) instead of small, single-serve containers.

4) Buy Fruits and Vegetables in Season, with three tips: 1) Fruits and vegetables cost more when they’re out of season. Explore your seasonal produce through Farm Flavor’s United States Produce Calendar (link) www.farmflavor.com/lifestyle/garden/season-produce-calendars-50-states
Alternative live/direct link: https://map.proxi.co/r/djZtNaYNJfd44wYfKfLV
2) Watch for produce sales at the supermarket, look for roadside stands or farmers markets.
3) When you can’t find what you want in season, buy items canned or frozen.

10/21/2025

ICYMI (in case you missed it): We received our Year 2 Prevention Research Center funding, which means our research activities will resume as planned until September 2026. See video update from Earl Allen, Research Coordinator below. Our team plans to provide regular updates as we progress!

Please reach out to NCDHR with any questions or concerns, ncdhr@urmc.rochester.edu, (585) 228-2299 VP.

Accessibility notes: Video is in ASL with English subtitles. Transcript included with video description below. Full video and transcript with description also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7YtSl1nPbdw?si=m2VB8IzPElp7R8va



-Video description- The video begins with a title slide on a white background. The top of the slide reads “NCDHR National Center for Deaf Health Research” in green, 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 October 2025”. The bottom of the slide shows green text with the name “Earl Allen.”

Earl, an African American male, is wearing a coral pink polo shirt and black glasses. He is seated at a table and wearing a black smartwatch on his left wrist. Behind him is a dark blue background with logos and text on the left. First is the University of Rochester Medical Center logo with the yellow-and-blue shield that says "Meliora." Second is the "NCDHR” – followed by our “health sign” in abstract ASL and text below: “National Center for Deaf Health Research Rochester Prevention Research Center"

Earl (ASL): We want to begin by sincerely thanking you all for the messages of encouragement we’ve received since our last video. Your support truly means a lot to everyone here at the NCDHR.

For those of you who are seeing this for the first time; last month we released a video explaining that our Year 1 of a 5-year project would end in September, and that the Center was at risk of closing in October 2025. (Link to September 2025 video https://youtu.be/mnCGaYzngwE?si=Dgn64AtOVU3esFmW)

(Good News!) We are pleased to inform the community that the CDC has continued the Prevention Research Center (PRC) program funding, which means our current implementation research will continue, studying how Deaf Weight Wise can become a community-led program with nationwide partners.

We plan to provide regular updates on our research activities going forward. We are grateful for your continued support as we navigate these challenges together. Thank you again, and please feel free to reach out to NCDHR with any questions or concerns.

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.

10/17/2025

Halloween is just around the corner, meaning holidays and the winter season are upon us. You may be thinking ahead to your plans for gathering with friends and family. We have another question for you to add to your planning: What are some activities to incorporate into your gatherings that do not include lingering in the kitchen? The kitchen is a prime spot for any Deaf (household) community gatherings. We are interested in learning your ideas!

In the mock session below (not real participants), the group reviews how to plan for special events, and some alternate activities include going for a walk or playing cards in another room. If you make it to the end of the clip, there is also a suggestion for the lights to be turned off so that our (Deaf) visitors know it’s time to leave. *chuckle*

Accessibility notes: Video is in ASL with English subtitles. Full transcript included below and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/veQMu3hOjwo

-video description/transcript-

The video begins with an image on a plain white background and black bold text centered in the frame that reads, "Deaf culture and kitchens at gathering...". At the bottom left corner, the NCDHR logo is displayed, which stands for the National Center for Deaf Health Research, with the full name and “Rochester Prevention Research Center” written underneath it in smaller font. Aligned along the bottom right are three green-toned circular icons. The first icon displays a heart shape with a check mark, the second features stylized human figures arranged in a circle, suggesting community, and the third shows a spoon and fork. Below these icons is the phrase "DEAF WEIGHT WISE" in a stylized font, which represents the name of the initiative and program related to healthy living within the Deaf community.

Immediately next is another slide with a white background and black text. At the top, the word “Disclaimer…” is written in bold, followed by a message in plain font that states: “The following is a fictional dramatization meant to illustrate training concepts with humor. Any resemblance to real-life situations is purely coincidental.” At the bottom left corner is the logo of NCDHR (National Center for Deaf Health Research), along with the text “Rochester Prevention Research Center.” In the bottom right corner, there are three circular icons similar to those seen in previous slides: one depicting a heart with a check mark, one with a group of human figures in a circular formation symbolizing community, and one with a fork and spoon. Below these icons is the phrase “DEAF WEIGHT WISE” in stylized font.

The video then transitions into a Zoom video conference with six participants, arranged in a 3x2 grid. Each person occupies a rectangle in the virtual meeting interface, giving the appearance of a group video call. In the top row, from left to right, there is a woman with long wavy hair seated near a window, a woman wearing glasses, and a man with glasses wearing a polo shirt seated in a blue-walled room. In the bottom row, the first woman has curly dark hair in a warmly lit room, the second woman sits in front of a mirror and string lights, and the third woman, with long straight blonde hair and glasses, sits in an office-like setting with a file cabinet and small decorative plant.

Lori begins: “Are there any suggestions for Nicole? Nicole, do you feel pressured to finish all your food?”

Nicole: “Sometimes after bringing my food home with me I still found myself stubbornly eating little by little. Even though the food is packed up and stored in the refrigerator, I caught myself digging in here and there, and I couldn't stop. What can I do?”

Lori: “Yep, I understand. Yes Janna?”

Janna: “I wonder, maybe at the party, there should be an option for the big or small plate? Maybe just pick a smaller plate so you're forced to limit your portion sizes of different dishes.”
Nicole: “But still. The foods are right in front of me. I'm unable to resist them on the smaller plate.”

Janna: “There should not be any room for more food in the smaller plate.”

Nicole: “Once I have emptied the plate, I will still go back to grab more food.”

Janna: “Another idea is to eat before you go so that you do not arrive hungry.”

Nicole: “True, that's a good idea. Thank you.”

Lori: “Good suggestion! Yes Kelly? Do you have another suggestion?”

Kelly: “Yeah, I was going to say that us Deaf people tend to gather in the kitchen during potlucks or parties where all the food tends to be. (Nicole: Yes, that's dangerous!) So maybe we should encourage the group to move to another table to play cards after putting the food away. I don't know. I think we all need to think about what to do instead but it is a hard habit.”

Lori: “Yep, good suggestion to encourage the group to scoot away from the kitchen and sit down to do other activities.”

Nicole: “Wow. The kitchen is the prime spot for gatherings of Deaf people. I wonder why?”

Lori: “This is my solution: Turn off the kitchen light and tell everyone to scoot away.”

Nicole: “You're mean!”

Kelly: “I will just go home!”

10/10/2025

Rochester friends, join the Seneca Park Zoo tomorrow, Saturday October 11th, for Deaf Culture Awareness Day!

ASL interpreters will be on site throughout the day, and many Zoo talks and demonstrations will include interpretation to ensure everyone can fully participate and enjoy their visit.

For more tickets and the full schedule, visit: https://senecaparkzoo.org/event/deaf-culture-awareness-day-at-the-zoo-2025/

Celebrate Deaf Culture Awareness Day with us tomorrow at the Zoo! We'll have ASL storytimes, accessible programming, and special fall-themed animal enrichment you won't want to miss.

Plus, all month we're running a special promotion! Bring your Aquarium of Niagara receipt for $2 off admission to the Zoo, or show your Zoo receipt at the Aquarium for $5 off.

Special thanks to Rochester School for the Deaf, Aquarium of Niagara, and RIT/NTID for helping make this event possible.

**Discounts do not combine with Museums for All or AZA reciprocal admission.**

10/03/2025

GOOD NEWS- we are excited to share with you all that we have received our Year 2 funding, which means our work will continue. Earl Allen (Research Coordinator) shares a summary of this update and our plans going forward. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Please reach out to NCDHR with any questions or concerns, ncdhr@urmc.rochester.edu, (585) 228-2299 VP.

Accessibility notes: Video is in ASL with English subtitles. Transcript included with video description below. Full video and transcript with description also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7YtSl1nPbdw?si=Iku11O_CADtBT7BP

-Video description- The video begins with a title slide on a white background. The top of the slide reads “NCDHR National Center for Deaf Health Research” in green, 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 October 2025”. The bottom of the slide shows green text with the name “Earl Allen.”

Earl, an African American male, is wearing a coral pink polo shirt and black glasses. He is seated at a table and wearing a black smartwatch on his left wrist. Behind him is a dark blue background with logos and text on the left. First is the University of Rochester Medical Center logo with the yellow-and-blue shield that says "Meliora." Second is the
"NCDHR” – followed by our “health sign” in abstract ASL and text below: “National Center for Deaf Health Research Rochester Prevention Research Center"

Earl (ASL): We want to begin by sincerely thanking you all for the messages of encouragement we’ve received since our last video. Your support truly means a lot to everyone here at the NCDHR.

For those of you who are seeing this for the first time; last month we released a video explaining that our Year 1 of a 5-year project would end in September, and that the Center was at risk of closing in October 2025. (Link to September 2025 video https://youtu.be/mnCGaYzngwE?si=Dgn64AtOVU3esFmW)

(Good News!) We are pleased to inform the community that the CDC has continued the Prevention Research Center (PRC) program funding, which means our current implementation research will continue, studying how Deaf Weight Wise can become a community-led program with nationwide partners.

We plan to provide regular updates on our research activities going forward. We are grateful for your continued support as we navigate these challenges together. Thank you again, and please feel free to reach out to NCDHR with any questions or concerns.

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

10/01/2025

Ever wish you could peek in on a Deaf Weight Wise group session? During our recent implementation research cycle, we delivered all DWW sessions on Zoom. Watch the mock session below, the group focuses on the topic of ‘exercise,’ which is one of the alternating activities during our 16-week sessions. Earl, NCDHR Coordinator, leads the session as a DWW Coach, the DWW ‘participants’ in this session are DWW study staff, either with the NCDHR, or hired as DWW Coaches.

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

A slide appears showing the title “Mock Session of DWW Discussion: Getting Ready to Exercise.” Below the title, a disclaimer note clarifies that the individuals shown in the upcoming segment are DWW Study Team members, not actual study participants. It emphasizes that the content is provided for informational purposes only. In the lower left corner, the NCDHR (National Center for Deaf Health Research) logo is displayed, indicating institutional affiliation. Along the bottom right, there are three circular icons: one with a heart symbol, another with a group of abstract human figures in a circle, and a third with a fork, all representing themes of health, community, and nutrition. Below these icons reads ‘Deaf Weight Wise’ in green and black.

The video transitions into a Zoom video conference session featuring six individuals, arranged in a 3x2 grid. Each participant appears to be situated in a home or office setting.

In the top row, three participants are shown. On the left, a woman with curly dark hair wears a pink button-up top and sits in a kitchen area. In the center, a man wearing a maroon shirt sits in front of a blue wall. On the right, a woman in a floral top sits in a decorated room with framed art, a table lamp, and hanging plants. In the bottom row, from left to right, the first woman wears glasses and has long hair, seated at a desk with an orchid in the background. The middle woman, also wearing glasses and a dark top, appears to be in an office with blue walls. The last participant, to the right, has long wavy hair and is wearing a white shirt with the partially visible text “Be W...,” She is seated next to a large printer and papers, which presents as an office.

Earl (male in maroon shirt) begins: “Ok, hello everyone! So, this is Session #2 of the curriculum. The last part will be about the DWW Exercise Library. The overall DWW experience includes monitoring weight and eating habits but becoming more active. Whether this means more exercising in the gym or walking… the point is to be more active, and this should be part of your overall DWW experience. So, in this session, the exercise part will take place during the last half-hour.”

Earl continues: “Yes, that's correct. After each session your Counselor will send an email about the upcoming activity whether we will be exercising or having a "Taste-it!" so you're aware. Some sessions will encourage you to bring recipe or comfortable clothes for exercising. This will be shared in an email after you complete your Action Plan. Yes, Kelly?”

Kelly begins: “I'm sorry, you said I have to?”

Earl: “Have to what?”

Kelly: “I have to stay for exercise and other activities each week.”

Earl: “The exercising part is one part of the overall DWW experience. This is not a required activity but is strongly encouraged. If you can't stay, that's fine. It's entirely up to you. That's why they're introduced at the end of the session. We will let you know when it is time. If you can't or don't want to stay, you can leave if you want to. But it remains there as part of the overall. Before we start, since we will be doing Core Training we will warm up with some stretches.”

The video transitions into a colorful, circular infographic titled “Warm-Up” from the Deaf Weight Wise program. It presents a sequence of warm-up exercises designed to gradually increase heart rate, improve flexibility, and prepare the muscles for more strenuous activity. The infographic resembles a wheel or clock, with each segment displaying a specific exercise using photos of individuals demonstrating the movements. The exercises are arranged in a clockwise sequence, starting with neck rotations in the green section and proceeding through ten activities.

Each segment is labeled with a number and title:
Neck Rotations
Torso Rotations
Arm Rotations
Hip Circles
Leg Swings
Loose Limbs
Partial Reverse Lunges
Partial Squat to Reach
Skaters
Butt Kicks

The directions at the top of the image explain that each exercise should be performed 10 times at your own pace, with the entire set taking 5–10 minutes. At the bottom of the image is a safety disclaimer, advising users to stop immediately and contact a doctor if they are experiencing pain or difficulty breathing, and reminding users to never hold their breath during exercise.

Earl continues: “You will see different types of stretching activities and suggestions to loosen up for 5 minutes before we get into substantial exercising activities.”

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.

09/29/2025

In the Deaf Weight Wise program, we have groups of participants attending sessions with Deaf Weight Wise Counselors, now called “Coaches” to reflect current lifestyle training programs. Our DWW Coaches are Deaf community members that have completed 30+ hours of training prior to delivering DWW to participants. In this video, DWW Coach, Nicole, explains her experience leading DWW groups.


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

Video Description/Transcript:

The video opens to white background with bold black text centered on the screen that reads: “Testimonial from Nicole, DWW Coach…” In the lower left corner is the logo for NCDHR (National Center for Deaf Health Research), with the text below it reading “Rochester Prevention Research Center.” On the lower right, there are three circular icons representing health and wellness themes, including a heart symbol, a group of stylized people in a circle, and a fork and spoon graphic. These are accompanied by the Deaf Weight Wise program name in stylized font.

Th video transitions to Nicole, who is seated indoors in a warmly lit room with light-colored walls. Nicole has long, curly, dark hair and is wearing a navy-blue shirt with small white polka dots. Behind her, the background features lush green plants climbing along the wall and placed on shelves, adding a cozy and natural feel to the room.

Nicole begins, in ASL: “Hello! My name is Nicole, and I'm one of the DWW Counselors here in New York. I've been with this program for the past two years and I really enjoyed working with the participants and the team. This is one of the best experiences I've ever had because I got to work closely with people and see them learn grow and thrive! The goal is to have a better and healthier lifestyle and once they have got that full understanding gain for their future, they are so grateful and honestly this is one of the best things that I've ever experienced. I have not only learned from them (DWW participants), but I've learned about myself too because what works for me doesn't mean it's working for them and vice versa, so it's a dual-learning process and journey.

One of the best experiences I had was with this participant. She is a grandmother. She noticed that when she started losing weight, she felt more energetic and saw herself spending more time with her granddaughter without feeling so tired and was able to keep up with her I mean, that was amazing! And she wanted what's best for her granddaughter so in that process, she also helped her own daughter to make better choices for her family. Wow! That was a ripple effect!

I truly believe this program will be a great asset to other programs currently out there nationwide not just within the State of New York but for everyone because for one, it’s in ASL so it's clearly fully accessible and shared life understanding and that's a win right there! And honestly, the Deaf community could benefit from this because if they see a nutritionist or visit a doctor an interpreter would have to be arranged, and it won't be as personal whereas in this group they get full support, understanding, and validation. So, I think it's worth it.

I look forward to continuing working with this program and seeing its expansion, and everyone thrives. Thank you!”

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.