Presidential Perspectives - July 2025

As the countdown begins, excitement is building—our long-awaited DSA 2025 Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, is just around the corner! View vlog

This year’s powerful theme, “Empowering Your Future,” is more than just words—it’s a call to action. It’s about stepping into our strength as Deaf seniors, embracing new experiences, and building a future rooted in connection, wisdom, and community.

Whether you’re a longtime DSA member or thinking about attending for the first time, let this be your moment. this is your opportunity. We’ve never been closer—and now is the perfect time to come together to learn, laugh, and lead. If you haven’t registered yet—don’t worry. It’s not too late! There’s still time to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable week filled with education, entertainment, inspiration, and lifelong friendships.

This conference is your opportunity to celebrate who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re headed—together. Be part of something meaningful. Kansas City is calling. Come be part of something truly special. We want you to experience all this event has to offer. Come for the connection, stay for the learning, and leave with a renewed sense of belonging and empowerment.

Let’s make Kansas City a milestone in our journey—because together, we thrive. We look forward to welcoming you, reconnecting with friends, and building our collective future—together.

Hotel Room Assignments

As part of our agreement with Kansas City hotels, DSA has been given a “run of the house” room block. This means room assignments (king or double beds) will be made by the hotel based on availability at the time of check-in. Please note:

• There is no guarantee you will receive a room with double beds.

• Both hotels are unable to guarantee or confirm specific bed types in advance.

• If you plan to share a room with more than two people, be aware that you may not be assigned a room with enough beds.

• In such cases, you will be responsible for booking your own additional room(s), which will be subject to the hotel’s current rates. Conference rates will not apply to reservations made outside our room block.

We strongly encourage all attendees to make realistic room-sharing plans in advance to avoid last-minute complications. Our goal is to help everyone enjoy a smooth, comfortable stay during the DSA 2025 Conference.

Sports & Comedy Luncheons Canceled

With heartfelt regret, we must inform you that both the Comedy Club and Sports Luncheons have been canceled due to low registrations. This was not an easy decision. We know many were looking forward to these events, and we share in your disappointment. To those who registered and paid: thank you sincerely for your support. Refunds will be processed soon.

Full Conference Schedule Now Online

You can now access the full DSA 2025 schedule on our website under the 2025 Conference tab. There, you’ll find everything you need to plan your week.

DSA 2025 registrants will receive a compact conference schedule booklet at check-in to carry with them throughout the week.The full schedule will also be available in the Whova app. We will email all DSA 2025 registrants once the app is fully updated so you can explore workshop sessions, connect with others, and plan meetups.

Accessibility Needs

If you have any questions or specific accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has full access to all aspects of the conference experience. Accessibility is our priority—we’re here to support you. Contact: Robert Cooper; email: dsa2025access@deafseniors.us

Special Dietary Needs

If you informed us of your dietary concerns as part of your conference registration, please know that we will do our best to accommodate your needs and ensure availability. Contact: Char Parsley, Vice President; email: vicepres@deafseniors.us

Mobility Equipment Rentals

If you need to rent a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, please make arrangements early to ensure availability. Email: rentals@kcmobilityscooterrentals.com

Make Sure Your Hotel Reservations Are Accurate

Please review your hotel reservation(s) to ensure your arrival and departure dates are correct. Contact the hotel directly with your confirmation number if changes are needed.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment Policy

The DSA Board has established a Zero Tolerance for Harassment Policy which is a Code of Conduct set with guidelines that outline expected behaviors and responsibilities of  all DSA conference attendees. The purpose is to promote respect, integrity, and professionalism among each other.  You can view the policy on our website.  Here is the link to view the Zero Policy Tolerance Harassment Policy – bit.ly/3ZI5e8t.

Announcing the DSA 2027 Site

The DSA 2027 Conference will be held at the Baltimore Hilton Hotel, August 19–27, 2027. More details will be shared in the coming months.

Onwards to Kansas City!

We look forward to welcoming you to the DSA 2025 Conference! Our goal is for you to have an enriching and enjoyable week—and for you to return home afterwards with new connections, fresh knowledge, and lasting memories.

We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose generous support makes this conference possible. Their commitment to the Deaf senior community helps us deliver meaningful programming, accessibility services, and lasting impact. Please take a moment during the week to visit their booths and thank them for supporting DSA 2025.

On behalf of the DSA Board of Directors, we wish you safe travels and continued health and well-being.

Until we meet in Kansas City! Phil Aiello, President Deaf Seniors of America