Executive Pulse - July 2025

Together, We Rise: Building Community and Claiming Our Seat at the Table

Summer has always been a season of connection — a time when we come together to share stories, laughter, and moments that remind us of the power of community. For Deaf Seniors of America, that spirit of togetherness is more than just a warm-weather tradition — it’s at the very heart of our mission. View vlog

Every time I meet with deaf older adults across the country, whether at local meetups or national events, I’m reminded of something vital: we are not just aging — we are organizing. We’re coming together to strengthen our voice, to support one another, and to insist that our needs and perspectives are seen, heard, and valued.

That’s why this summer, as we look ahead to our biennial national conference in Kansas City, I invite you to think about the power of showing up. Whether you attend in person, volunteer, or simply stay connected online, your presence matters. When deaf seniors gather — we build power. We create space where our language, culture, and experiences are centered, not sidelined.

But we’re not just gathering socially — we’re also showing up on the national stage. This year, DSA has been actively pushing for change in Washington, D.C., advocating for deaf-inclusive aging policies. We’ve submitted articles to national publications, collaborated with organizations like USAging and AARP, and made it clear: you cannot talk about aging without including deaf older adults.

Too often, systems are built without us — and the result is policies and services that miss the mark. From healthcare platforms that lack ASL access to aging networks that fail to hire culturally competent staff, the gaps are real. But so is our resolve to close them.

Let this be the summer where we continue to rise — not just in numbers, but in influence. Let’s remind every agency, policymaker, and provider that we are here, we are active, and we are essential to building truly age-friendly communities.

Together, we are not only sharing stories. We are shaping the future.

Sherri Collins, Executive Director Deaf Seniors of America