top of page

Call for DSA 2027 Workshop Proposals

📢 19th Biennial DSA Conference Call for Proposals


Deaf Seniors of America (DSA) is officially inviting individuals to submit proposals to present, facilitate, or lead an engaging session at our upcoming 19th Biennial DSA Conference! 
 

We welcome innovative, empowering, and engaging proposals that connect with our vibrant community and align with this year’s official theme:
 

"Retired, Rewired, and Crabby—With Purpose!"


🔍 Overview
 

The 19th Biennial DSA Conference will take place August 20–27, 2027, in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel. This landmark event serves as the premier national gathering for Deaf seniors, advocates, community leaders, and professionals.

This year’s theme celebrates the humor, resilience, wisdom, and determined advocacy that come with our senior years. We are seeking interactive workshops, lively conversations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and educational presentations focused on healthy aging, technological adaptation, social connection, and purposeful advocacy.


We invite applications from a broad range of presenters who understand, support, and uplift the Deaf senior community.
 

👥 Eligibility
 

  • Who Can Apply: Open to scholars, advocates, community leaders, senior care professionals, and others with relevant expertise or experience. 

  • Membership Requirements: DSA membership is not required to apply; however, all accepted presenters must register for the conference and submit their registration fees by January 15, 2027, to officially confirm their session(s).

  • Submission Screening: All submitted proposals will undergo a comprehensive review by the DSA Conference Selection Committee.
     

🏆 Selection Criteria


Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
 

  • Theme Alignment: A strong connection to the "Retired, Rewired, and Crabby—With Purpose!"

  • Community Impact: Clear, actionable takeaways that empower Deaf seniors.

  • Accessibility: Clear communication delivery, including ASL fluency and accessible visual design, for our diverse audience.

  • Feasibility: Clarity, completeness, and professionalism of the session plan, including logistics and overall organization.
     

📝 Preparing a Proposal


To ensure a smooth application process, please prepare the following information before accessing the electronic application system:
 

  • Session Title: A clear, engaging name for your session.

  • Presenter Bios: A brief biography of each presenter. 

  • Headshot of Presenters: A headshot for each presenter.

  • Accessibility & Accommodation: Describe any communication access accommodations you may need.

  • Stage & Mobility Access: Describe any mobility or physical access requirements for the presentation area. 

  • Session Description: Explain what the session will cover and how it will benefit the Deaf senior community.

  • ASL Bio & Session Video: Submit an ASL video, up to 2 minutes, introducing yourself and describing your proposed session. 

  • Learning Objectives: Describe the measurable actions participants will be able to perform after attending the session.

  • Topic Category: Select one of the following six categories: 

    • Caregiving

    • Financial and Retirement Planning

    • Medicare and Health Insurance Navigation

    • Safety and Planning

    • Technology and Innovation

    • Wellbeing and Growth

  • Session Format: Describe the primary instructional activities you will use during the session.

  • Session Media / Materials: Identify the specific media, technology, or materials you plan to use during the session.

  • Preferred Session Date/Time: Indicate your preferred date and time. We will do our best to accommodate your preference.

  • Featured Session: New this year!  One general session will be open to all conference attendees, with no other workshops scheduled at that time. We are seeking an essential, high-interest topic with broad appeal to the entire audience.
     

⚖️ Presenter Agreements


By submitting a proposal to the 19th Biennial DSA Conference, applicants agree to the following terms:
 

  • Deadlines: All proposals must be submitted by Saturday, November 1, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No extensions will be granted.

  • Attendance: If selected, presenters must register for and attend the event in person.

  • Media Consent: Presenters consent to being photographed and recorded during their session for use in conference materials and promotions.

  • Material Sharing: Presenters permit DSA to share presentation slides and/or handouts with conference attendees after the event.

  • Technology: Presenters must bring a personal, fully charged laptop. DSA will provide a screen, standard projection cables, adapters, and a riser.

  • Conduct: All presenters agree to abide by DSA’s community guidelines and code of conduct.

  • Slides & Accessibility: Presenters must use the official conference slide template, ensure all content is fully accessible, and make any required DSA accessibility adjustments.


⏳ Important Dates
 

  • Application Window Opens: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

  • Application Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 12:00 AM (Midnight) EDT

  • Notification of Acceptance: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
     

🖥️ Ready to Submit?
 

Electronic forms will be accepted through our online portal. The application link will go live right here on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. ​

 

📧 Questions?

 

For questions regarding the submission process or proposal requirements, please contact our team at workshops@deafseniors.us. 
 

bottom of page