The Center's Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

11/11/2025

Today, The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges honors the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

We are deeply grateful to the veterans within our community, including those who continue to demonstrate strength and resilience at The Center.

Thank you for your service, your dedication and your example.

11/10/2025

The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges is proud to once again celebrate our talented member artists featured in the Oklahoma Visionaries Exhibit: Keith Kerns, Paula Kempe, John Olivas and Luis Macias.

This traveling exhibit showcases Oklahoma artists whose creativity and perspective inspire audiences to see ability in every form of expression. The exhibit will continue touring the Tulsa area through May 17, 2026, sharing powerful stories through art and imagination.

We’re honored to see our members’ work displayed among such remarkable visionaries.

11/08/2025

The holidays can be a busy time, and sometimes we just need a chance to relax and chat with others. This ASL social is for signing adults of all ages.

Please RSVP to demerson@tulsacenter.org if possible, especially if you DO want to try dipping a pumpkin, as supplies are limited.

See you soon!

11/08/2025

We had fantastic discussion this morning at the November interpreter workshop on “The Collaborative Interpreter,” presented by Calista Heard. Thanks to all who attended for the lively thoughts!

We will be back in February with more interpreter workshops. If you have a topic you would like to develop a presentation for, this is the place to try it out!

Contact demerson@tulsacenter.org.

11/06/2025

Yvonne Hamm’s story is one of extraordinary resilience.

Yvonne is blind and put herself through college, raised two children as a single mother, and even competed in Olympic-level goalball. In this episode of the Get Centered Podcast, she joins Wendi Fralick, Chief Executive Officer of The Center, to share her journey of determination, independence and love.

Get Centered and listen now: https://www.tulsacenter.org/podcast/
Transcript is available.

11/04/2025

Had a great time yesterday, sharing an introduction to sign language with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute students in Tulsa! Looking forward to offering an ongoing class through the program in the spring.

10/31/2025

Starting tomorrow! Sharing this exciting news for deaf travelers who use ASL...

On-Demand American Sign Language Interpreting Services to Passengers in the Deaf or Hard of Hearing Community

TULSA, Oklahoma – October 31, 2025 – Starting November 1, Tulsa International Airport (TUL) will expand its accessibility offerings by providing free use of Aira ASL, an app that delivers on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for travelers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Aira ASL is available at no cost while at TUL airport, from the curbside to the minute travelers board their flight.

At the tap of a button, travelers at TUL can instantly connect to a professional ASL interpreter.

Using the video and microphone capabilities of the user’s smartphone, Aira ASL allows passengers to communicate seamlessly with any airport employee, empowering them to
navigate the airport independently and confidently.

Tulsa International Airport has offered free Aira Visual Interpreting Services for passengers who are blind or have low vision since November 2023, and the airport has greatly valued this partnership. Expanding the program to include ASL interpretation marks another major step toward ensuring that every traveler has the tools and support they need to experience a smooth
travel journey.

How it works: Aira ASL can use either a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
1. Download the Aira ASL App through the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app, register with your phone number, and enter the authentication code you receive.
3. Tap “Connect with an Interpreter” to access live ASL interpretation.

For support or questions about using Aira ASL, contact Aira during their hours of operation (6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Pacific Time) at 1-800-835-1934.

More information about accessibility at TUL is available at flytulsa.com/travel/amenities/accessibility

For more information, contact:
Kim Kuehler, Communications Manager at Tulsa International Airport (918) 557-6080, kimkuehler@flytulsa.com

Aira Media Contact:
hannah.griffin@aira.io.

Tulsa International Airport (TUL) is committed to being accessible for all airport users. Learn more about the services available in our terminal.

10/31/2025

10/28/2025

Just around the corner! Don't miss this chance for socialization and learning with peers - all at no cost.

Interpreters and students - save this date!

10/27/2025

Sharing this forward for those who may be interested -

CI Support Group Meeting at TU Chapman Center AND on Microsoft Teams, Thursday 10/30/2025 at 6:45 pm CT

"We rescheduled to the 5th Thursday this month due to TU's Homecoming.

"Next week, we will welcome back Natalie David (Listening and Spoken Language Specialist) to lead discussion on how to best exercise one's listening brain. Listening practice is critical for successful use of a cochlear implant whether you're one month, one year, or one decade into your journey. We will meet in person at the Chapman Center as well as online. Contact Julie Hyland below for the Microsoft Teams virtual meeting link.

"Hope to see you then!"
Julie

UPCOMING MEETINGS IN 2025
NOV – NO MEETING
DEC – NO MEETING

For more information please contact Dr. Julie Hyland at julie-hyland@utulsa.edu or (918) 631-2504.

Who: Everyone is welcome including individuals with cochlear implants and anyone considering a cochlear implant. Parents, spouses, family members, friends, and students are also encouraged to attend.

In-Person Location:
Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders
The University of Tulsa
2820 E. 5th Street
Tulsa, OK 74104

Directions to Campus and Parking:
*Take Highway 244 to the Delaware exit.
*Turn South on Delaware.
*Go to 5th Street and turn East.
*The Mary K. Chapman Center is on the south side of 5th Street.
*Limited handicapped parking is available directly in front of the building.

Additional parking is available in the lots across the street to the north. Access to these lots is from 4th Place. Turn East on 4th place (before reaching 5th Street) and turn South into the third driveway on the right. Drive through the parking lot until you see the signs on the west side that are labeled "Speech and Hearing Clinic Reserved" or park in any available space. The clinic is directly across 5th Street southwest of the parking lot.

Requests for accommodations of disabilities may be addressed to the University's 504 coordinator, Dr. Tawny Rigsby, (918) 631-2315.