The Decibels Foundation

Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP
2025-09-10 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | MA
Host: MassPAC All-Access
Register here – https://fcsn.org/event/br-understanding-the-iep-9-10-25/
Provides information about why the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is important, how it is developed, and the different sections of the document. Further discussion will focus on what types of services are included and measurable goals.
All meetings links are sent by Zoom prior to the workshop. Handouts will be sent to attendees from our workshop coordinator, Kristin LaRose, on the day of the presentation.

The Power of "AND" in Deaf Education
2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:00 | MA
Time & Location

Sep 17, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Zoom

About the event

When it comes to deaf education, it’s not about either/or—it’s about the power of AND!
This upcoming Zoom live event explores why embracing multiple approaches leads to stronger outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing learners.
Join Dr. Wyatte Hall as he debunks the myth that using more than one language is harmful. Attendees will discover how rich, consistent, and varied language input supports healthy brain development and academic success.

“Inspired” – Documentary Screening & Community Discussion
2025-09-19 17:30 - 20:30 | Maine Resiliency Center, 184 Main St, Lewiston, ME, 04240, United States
Hosted by MHBH and MeAD
Watching the movie (Inspired), followed by a panel discussion. Interpreters and CART are available
Come in person to the Resiliency Center.
Can’t be present? Come via Zoom.
Questions? Need the Zoom link/registration? Contact Sarah at Sarah.Roller@mainehealth.org
Parking is free; more information on the flyer.

Apple Picking - Plympton MA
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Sauchuck Farm, 53 Palmer Road, Plympton, MA, 02367, United States
This year Boston Children’s Hospital’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is excited to bring TWO apple picking family outreach events! Families with DHH children are invited to register for ONE of the following apple picking opportunities:
Event #1: Sauchuck Farm – Plympton, MA – Saturday, September 20th, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm – ticket pickup & cider donuts
This event is great for our southern New England families and families with younger-age children
Admission includes apple-picking bag and orchard entry, admission to corn maze/children’s activities and rides, and cider donuts

Event #2: Shelburne Farm – Stow, MA – Saturday, October 18th, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm – ticket pickup & cider donuts
This event is great for families of all ages!
Admission includes apple-picking bag and orchard entry, apple cider and cider donuts, and one free pumpkin voucher

To register for one of these events, please email DHHPOutreach@childrens.harvard.edu with the number of tickets needed for immediate family members, as well as the ages of the children attending. Due to the popularity of these events, it may be necessary to place families on a waiting list should we reach capacity. Confirmation emails will be sent to families in the order in which registration requests are received. *Please note, we will be out of the office from 8/27 – 9/2 and will respond to emails when we return in the order in which they were received.

Board Game Social
2025-09-20 11:00 - 15:00 | Deaf, Inc – New Bedford, 227 Union St., New Bedford, MA, 02740, United States
Come, socialize, play and have fun!

SEPTEMBER BOARD GAME SOCIAL – All welcome, join the fun!

September 20, 2025, 11 AM – 3 PM EST, at DEAF, Inc. Office
227 Union St., Mezzanine 2, New Bedford, MA 02740

Enjoy a variety of fun games and bingo.

If any questions, please call 617-505-4823 or email front desk: hello@deafincma.org. Colorful dice on the bottom right corner.

Book Tour: Articulate - A Deaf Memoir of Voice
2025-09-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Harvard Bookstore, 1256 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Harvard Book Store welcomes Rachel Kolb—the first signing deaf Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, recipient of a PhD in English literature from Emory University, graduate of Stanford University, and a recent junior fellow in the Society of Fellows at Harvard University—for a discussion of her debut memoir Articulate: A Deaf Memoir of Voice. She will be joined in conversation by Rachel Berman-Kobylarz—a Deaf educator and artist with over 16 years of experience teaching American Sign Language at the college level, and Principal Lecturer and Curriculum Coordinator at Northeastern University. This event will feature American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.

Film Screening: "Deaf Santa Claus" Theatrical Premiere
2025-09-24 18:30 - 21:30 | Cinema Salem, One East India Square, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Deaf Santa Claus

Date: Wednesday, September 24
Time: 6:30 PM (109 minutes)
Location: Cinema Salem
Screen: Theater One

Join us for the theatrical premiere of DEAF SANTA CLAUS with special guests Charles & Kari Graves in attendance! The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director Anthony Mowl.
With an uncanny resemblance to the icon himself, Charles Graves chases his dream of becoming a professional Deaf Santa Claus. Filmmakers chronicle Charles and his family as he attends Santa school and enlists the support of others in an attempt to better provide for his loved ones.
Directed by Ben Shelton and Anthony Mowl, the film offers unique perspectives on navigating Deaf and hearing worlds in a story about family, fatherhood, and creating new traditions.

Preschool Transition Workshop
2025-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Weston Community Center, 20 Alphabet Lane, Weston, MA, 02493, United States
Hosted by Boston Children’s Hospital Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program
Early Intervention to Preschool Transition Workshop at Weston Community Center – Friday, September 26th, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 12:00 pm
Childcare, if needed, for children ages 1 – 5 will be provided by BCH staff on-site
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children’s Specialists will share how they can support your family through this transition with specific guidance around:

transitioning from family-centered to student-centered services
navigating the IEP evaluation and creation process

Educational Audiologist, Christine Macdonald, will present about listening considerations, classroom acoustics, and hearing technology in the preschool setting
Representation and information from various Massachusetts specialty education programs for caregivers to become educated on the various schooling options available to DHH children

To register for this workshop, please email DHHPOutreach@childrens.harvard.edu. Please include if you will need childcare and the age(s) of the child(ren).

Building Community Gala
2025-09-27 18:00 - 22:00 | Boston Marriott Newton, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA, 02466, United States
Building Community Gala
Hosted by Federation for Children with Special Needs
September 27, 2025
6 – 10 pm
Boston Marriott Newton

Our 51st Anniversary Celebration will honor leadership that builds community.

Join us in celebrating the career & contributions of retiring Executive Director Pam Nourse.
Hear how the Federation continues to stand with families during challenging times.
Lift up new leaders who are building communities where everyone belongs.
Enjoy dinner, dancing, storytelling, and our silent auction.
Make a meaningful difference for children, youth and families.

Family Popsicle Pop-Up
2025-09-28 11:00 - 13:00 | The Cove, 104 W Pine St, Auburndale, MA, 02466, United States
From Massachusetts Hands & Voices: We’d love for our d/Deaf and hard of hearing families to join us for a free Family Popsicle Pop-Up!
Sunday, September 28
11:00–1:00 at The Cove
Auburndale, MA
Come connect with other families, enjoy a sweet treat, and spend time together in a welcoming community.

Meet the Author: Sara Nović
2025-09-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St, Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
DEAF, Inc. and the Watertown Free Public Library are thrilled to welcome award-winning, NYT bestselling author, translator, and Deaf rights activist Sara Nović to the library for an author talk and book signing.
ASL and CART services will be provided. Books will be available for purchase from All She Wrote Books.
Sara is the author of the instant NYT Bestseller True Biz, as well as the books Girl at War and America is Immigrants. She holds an MFA in fiction and literary translation from Columbia University, and is an instructor of Deaf studies and creative writing. She lives in Philadelphia with her family.

Shared Reading Saturday
2025-10-04 09:30 - 12:30 | Northern Essex Community College, John R. Dimitry Building, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence, MA, United States
The Gallaudet University Regional Center East is hosting a Shared Reading Saturday program on Saturday, October 4 at the NECC satellite campus in Lawrence, MA. There will be free childcare, activities, and refreshments. Each family goes home with a copy of the book and a DVD of the story. The event will be interpreted into ASL, English and Spanish. For more information, contact sharedreading@necc.mass.edu

Discovery Museum Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind
2025-10-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join the Discovery Museum for this special free evening for children and adults who are d/Deaf, hard of hearing, Blind, Visually Impaired, or DeafBlind and their caregivers. Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in the accessible and universally designed Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods while exploring interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities.
The Museum will be closed to the general public for this event. ASL Interpreters will be available. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, will be provided.
All events are free, but registration is required as space is limited.

Discovery Museum Inclusive Afternoon
2025-10-07 13:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-18 13:30 - 16:30 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Come play and explore in the accessible and universally designed Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods during this special, free afternoon for visitors who would benefit from a more sensory friendly atmosphere and a limited capacity experience.
This event is inclusive: the Museum is open to the public, but does not schedule any group visits to avoid crowding. All events are free, but pre-registration is required as space is limited.

High School to College Transition Workshop
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:30 | MA
The Family Education and Advocacy Team (FEAT) within the Boston Children’s Hospital Audiology & DHHP programs is pleased to offer their annual college transition workshop for deaf and hard of hearing students interested in attending college in the near future.

High school juniors and seniors and their parents & caregivers are encouraged to attend. The virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 8 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The flyer is attached in English and Spanish.

Information regarding housing and classroom accommodations, documentation for services, scholarships, and resources for D/HH students will be shared during the workshop.

Register with katie.mccarthy@childrens.harvard.edu and to get the Zoom link and time-ordered agenda prior to the meeting.

Board Game Social
2025-10-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Deaf, Inc – Watertown, 50 Hunt St, Suite 200, Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Come, socialize, play and have fun!

WATERTOWN BOARD GAME SOCIAL – All welcome, join the fun!

October 11, 2025, 12 PM – 4 PM EST, at DEAF, Inc. Office
50 Hunt St., Suite 200, Watertown, MA 02472

Enjoy a variety of fun games and bingo.

If any questions, please call 617-505-4823 or email front desk: hello@deafincma.org.

Cultural Connections for Spanish-Speaking Families (virtual)
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-10-28 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-04 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
The Boston Children’s Hospital Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Cultural Connections classes for Fall 2025 will be offered virtually from October 14 through November 11 on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm. These classes are ideal for Spanish-speaking families who are looking to learn American Sign Language for their 0-5 year old DHH child(ren). To register, please email DHHPOutreach@childrens.harvard.edu.

Apple Picking - Stow MA
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Shelburne Farm, 106 W. Acton Road, Stow, MA, 01775, United States

Bingo at Willie Ross School for the Deaf
2025-10-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow, MA, 01106, United States
Please join Willie Ross School for the Deaf for a fun-filled Purse Bingo night on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow, MA! Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Games start at 6:00 p.m.
This fundraiser event will have 11 exciting rounds of Bingo with highly sought-after designer purses and bags!

Register here at
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/purse-bingo-fundraiser-4

Willie Ross School for the Deaf is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; all proceeds will go towards their educational mission.

Posted on behalf of Willie Ross School for the Deaf. Contact Joel Skelton with any questions at jskelton@wrsdeaf.org!

Caregiver Circle (Virtual)
2025-10-27 19:30 - 21:00 | MA
Join us for Massachusetts Hands & Voices’ very first Virtual Caregiver Circle.
Monday, October 27
7:30- 9:00pm
Zoom
ASL Interpreters provided.
Caregiver Circles are welcoming spaces where families raising children who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing can learn, share, and connect. This month is focused on everyday resilience—the small ways we adapt, cope, and find strength in daily life.
Registration

Halloween Fun with Deaf, Inc
2025-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Deaf, Inc – New Bedford, 227 Union St., New Bedford, MA, 02740, United States
Are you ready for Halloween?
Dressed up or not, join for spooky fun games!
Friday October 31, 2025 10am-12pm
Deaf, Inc New Bedford
227 Union St, Mezzanine 2
New Bedford, MA 02740

Ask an Audiologist (Boston)
2025-11-08 09:00 - 10:00 | Boston Children’s Hospital (Boston), 333 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Join Alison Leschinski, ScD, and Kalie Buchman, AuD, for an in-person Ask an Audiologist coffee chat presented by Boston Children’s Hospital. Parents and caregivers of deaf and hard of hearing children of all ages are welcome. Bring your children and connect with audiologists about habilitation, language development, routine maintenance, and develop a support network with other families. This is a great opportunity to connect with audiologists and other families and discuss habilitation, language development, and routine maintenance.
If you would like to attend, e-mail kalie.buchman@childrens.harvard.edu to register.

Shared Reading Saturday
2025-11-15 09:30 - 12:30 | Northern Essex Community College, John R. Dimitry Building, 45 Franklin St., Lawrence, MA, United States
The Gallaudet University Regional Center East is hosting a Shared Reading Saturday program on Saturday, November 15 at the NECC satellite campus in Lawrence, MA. There will be free childcare, activities, and refreshments. Each family goes home with a copy of the book and a DVD of the story. The event will be interpreted into ASL, English and Spanish. For more information, contact sharedreading@necc.mass.edu

Discovery Museum Morning for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Visitors
2025-11-17 09:30 - 11:30 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Morning for Deaf/Hard of Hearing visitors

Join us during this special free morning for visitors who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind.
Enjoy a fun, friendly experience in our accessible and universally designed museum while exploring our interactive exhibits and participating in hands-on activities.
The Museum will be closed to the general public. Extra accommodations for the comfort of our visitors, including a designated Take-A-Break Space and an ASL interpreter will be available.
Advance registration is required.

HELLO Inclusive Storytime!
2025-11-22 10:00 - 11:00 | New Bedford Main Library, 613 Pleasant St, New Bedford, MA, 02740, United States
This program is a welcoming space for all children, D/deaf, hard of hearing, hearing, and all languages to:

Learn fun icebreakers
Discover Mighty Mila’s story with interpreters
Play with new friends
Bring home a free autographed book & goodie bag (available while supplies last)
Enter in the Eric Carle Museum pass giveaway for a chance to win family admission pass

This free program is made possible thanks to University of Connecticut’s Hearing Experience Language Learning Outcomes Lab and by the Friends of the New Bedford Free Public Library.
To learn more about HELLO Lab, please visit:
https://hellolab.speech-language-hearing.uconn.edu
