Deaf Independent Living Association, Inc.

04/15/2025

Happy National ASL Day!

Today we celebrate American Sign Language (ASL) — a rich, visual language that connects millions in the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

At the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, we recognize that communication access is a civil right. ASL is not only a language — it’s a culture, a community, and a powerful tool for inclusion.

🤟 Learn more about communication access and the ADA: ADAinfo.org

04/15/2025

Tonight's Zumba Class at DILA has been Cancelled. It will take place again on April 29.

04/14/2025

What an opportunity. Register today.

Registration for the Ocean City Surfers Healing camp is now open through April 18th. Sign up for your chance to attend One Perfect Day! 🏄 https://surfershealing.org/form/registration

04/14/2025

Shout out to our most recent donor, Jessie Dunn, Independent Contractor for Scentsy who held a Scentsy fundraiser and donated the profits to DILA to go towards our Community Development Services. It's very much appreciated.

04/14/2025

The celebration continues for our April Birthdays and Work Anniversaries ! Yum!

04/11/2025

It's raining it's pouring the old man is snoring but the easter bunny is up and ready to go! Don't forget to come out for crafts, goodies and indoor egg hunt! Get your tickets early or pay at the door! See you tomorrow! 🐰

Get your Easter baskets ready!!
Get your tickets early using the code! There will be crafts, an egg hunt and bake sale!🐰

04/11/2025

Due to the upcoming inclement weather, LSAC has decided to reschedule Family Fun Day. We are terribly sorry for any inconvenience.

The new date will be MAY 3rd, 2025 with a time now of 12pm-3pm. If you have already registered and still believe you can make it, you do not need to do anything further. If you originally registered and this new date does not work for you, please email Jayme Del Vecchio at [email protected] to let us know to take you off the registration. We look forward to seeing all of our families on May 3rd now!

To register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSh6-Ub-_GE2rKN0R4X3_XD8jUUKQ5Ef3lKuX-t_ojBz7c7A/viewform?usp=header

04/11/2025

Great Opportunity.

The 𝐔𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 Program is "a 2-week intensive and exploratory opportunity offered by the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies. This program is designed for high school students with disabilities, age 16 – 22, and offers a carefully orchestrated person-centered sequence of individualized and group activities that will result in creating a post-high school plan of action targeting goals for continuing education, training, career outcomes, and independent living outcomes."

"Participating students will live on campus and engage in program activities from July 7 - July 18. Activities will include job shadowing, college visits, and workshops on goal setting, self-advocacy, career exploration, and more."

Students from all three counties in Delaware can participate. Interested candidates must:
✔️Be between the ages of 16 and 22
✔️Currently be enrolled in school
✔️Submit this application
✔️Attach documentation of disability (Question 21)
✔️Participate in an interview

𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟭.
Apply at https://www.cds.udel.edu/clsc/transition-options-for-high-school-students/pre-ets-programs

For additional information: call (302)831-7550 | email: [email protected]

04/10/2025

Grant funding available to help police learn to interact with the IDD community.

Email from Maryland Department of Disabilities Apply by April 23, 2025   Saylor Alliance Community Grants Apply by April 23rd! Grants to Support Relationships with Law Enforcement and First Responders

04/10/2025

Please be aware of this change if you are income dependent on social security checks.

📣 Social Security Clawback Rule

As of March 27, the Social Security Administration can now reclaim 100% of benefit checks from individuals newly flagged for overpayments — a significant shift from the previous 10% limit.

💸 Though overpayments often result from agency error, this change could create serious financial hardship and even affect Medicare coverage.

Waivers, appeals, and adjusted repayment plans are available, but time matters.

📖 Learn more: https://loom.ly/88tBwEM

04/08/2025

Great analogy. Thank you for sharing Deaf Counseling Center

04/07/2025

Are you looking for something eggciting to do this weekend?!?! Look no further, come out and join us for an Easter celebration! We will have an egg hunt, crafts and some baked goods for sale! Don't forget your basket!!!!

Get your Easter baskets ready!!
Get your tickets early using the code! There will be crafts, an egg hunt and bake sale!🐰

04/06/2025

Get your Easter baskets ready!!
Get your tickets early using the code! There will be crafts, an egg hunt and bake sale!🐰

04/04/2025

DILA would like to recognize the following staff for their April Work Anniversary Month.

Kimberly Richardson 1 year
Candice Taylor 1 year
Yasmina Ordich 1 year
Chanel Handy 1 year
Asiah Wilson 1 year
Janet Carbajal 1 year
Lawrence Carter 1 year

Francesca Augustin 2 years
Patricia Ferran 2 years
Ceaira Cuff 2 years

Ashley Bowser 3 years

Paul Katzaman 4 years
Jessica Dunn 4 years

Darryl Hairston 6 years

Tony Johnson 7 years

Mike Purkey 9 years

Thank you your dedication and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the coming year.

04/04/2025

DILA's Director of Interpreting Services shared a research study regarding In-Person Interpreter versus VRI interpreting derived from materials from Gateway Maryland and ProCare Therapy.

The Projected Needs and Challenges in American Sign Language Interpretation Abstract

This paper examines the projected growth in demand for American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and the challenges posed by a looming shortage of qualified professionals. Using data from recent studies and industry reports, this research highlights the increasing need for interpreters in educational and professional settings, as well as the regulatory and systemic barriers that may exacerbate the shortage.

Introduction

American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters play a critical role in ensuring effective communication for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Despite increasing public awareness of accessibility needs, the field faces significant challenges in meeting growing demands. This paper explores the projected employment growth for ASL interpreters over the next decade and examines the barriers to fulfilling these needs, including a shortage of qualified professionals and new licensing requirements.

Projected Growth in Demand

The demand for ASL interpreters is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow by 4.3% from 2022 to 2032 (ProCare Therapy, 2024). This growth is particularly pronounced in educational settings, where employment in educational support industries is expected to increase by 25%, private elementary and secondary schools by 8%, and colleges and universities by 6% (ProCare Therapy, 2024).
The rise in demand is driven by several factors, including increased public awareness of accessibility needs, expanded use of video relay services, and efforts to accommodate Deaf students and workers. These trends underscore the importance of ASL interpretation across various sectors, from education to healthcare (ProCare Therapy, 2024).

Challenges in Meeting Demand

While demand is growing, the field faces a critical shortage of qualified ASL interpreters. This shortage has been exacerbated by upcoming regulatory changes requiring all interpreters to be officially licensed by 2025. Although this mandate aims to standardize quality, it threatens to reduce the pool of available professionals as many current interpreters may not meet the new standards (Gateway Maryland, 2024).
The shortage poses significant challenges for both interpreters and service users. With fewer qualified professionals available, many Deaf individuals may struggle to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and legal assistance. Additionally, organizations may face difficulties in fulfilling their obligations under accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (Gateway Maryland, 2024).

Discussion

The projected growth in demand for ASL interpreters highlights both opportunities and challenges for the profession. On one hand, increased awareness of accessibility needs creates new job opportunities; on the other hand, systemic barriers such as licensing requirements and a lack of standardized training programs hinder progress. Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts from policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders to ensure that the profession can meet future demands without compromising quality or accessibility.

Conclusion

The field of ASL interpretation is at a crossroads. While demand for interpreters continues to grow across various sectors, systemic challenges threaten to exacerbate an already critical shortage. To meet these challenges, it is essential to invest in training programs, streamline certification processes, and promote ASL interpretation as a viable career path. Without such efforts, many Deaf individuals may face significant barriers to accessing essential services.

References

Gateway Maryland. (2024). Promoting deaf autonomy. Retrieved from [source].

ProCare Therapy. (2024). The state of sign language interpreters. Retrieved from [source].

04/04/2025

Happy Birthday to the following DILA staff members who were born in the month of April. If you see them out and about tell them Happy Birthday month.

Jessica Kenney
Deborah Harrington
Jakala Stevens
Bailey Messick
Angel Floyd
Crystal Bonneville