Join us for Lunch Time Learning: Prison and Mental Health for Deaf/Disabled Communities on November 17th at 12:30pm ET. HEARD and My Deaf Therapy are collaborating on an event you won't want to miss! Link to register: bit.ly/heard-reentry25

🎥 The Portraits & Portals trailer is here! qrco.de/P-Ptrailer A glimpse into the creativity + resilience of disabled artists and disaster survivors of color. Premiere: Aug 27, 2PM ET Register: tinyurl.com/portraitspor... Event includes ASL, Spanish & French interpretation #PortraitsAndPortals 💜

Instead of investing in teaching police ASL and providing “deaf/disability sensitivity” training, we call for resources to be redirected to support deaf/disabled communities directly and for our community members to stop participating in + endorsing such trainings. Join us: #StopASLCopaganda

The true function of “deaf sensitivity” training programs + community initiatives is to make police appear “better”. In reality, these programs have very little impact on reducing violence, all while spending money that could be invested into resources for our communities. #StopASLCopaganda

The fact remains that, in an interaction where police have the power to arrest, injure, or kill with impunity in addition to the ability to control the narrative – no amount of language access can neutralize this dangerous power dynamic. A signing cop is still a cop. #StopASLCopaganda

“Copaganda” leads to a dangerous sense of safety with police. When deaf/disabled signers encounter a signing police officer, they may feel a false sense of trust due to shared language. It often discourages them from requesting the accommodations needed to preserve their rights. #StopASLCopaganda

Guess what? It is not too late to apply for HEARD's Board of Directors! If you are interested in applying to join our Board, please submit your application by June 30, 2025, at 11:59pm ET.

"We are in an era of unprecedented investment in policing, including police training. Increased training does not change police behavior or stop police violence, including police violence against disabled communities." - Excerpt from HEARD's recent statement #StopASLCopaganda #DisabilitySolidarity

Just Released: “Signing Cops Will Not Save Us, Community Power Will: Community Statement on Police Department ASL Initiatives and Deaf 'Sensitivity' Trainings”. ASL: bit.ly/stop-ASL-copaganda English: bit.ly/stop-asl-copaganda-eng Spanish: bit.ly/basta-asl-copaganda #StopASLCopaganda

Guess what? We are hiring! We are looking for a Prison Correspondence Assistant, starting Summer 2025. Check the linktree in our bio for more information. Please share this post with your communities and those who you think would be a great fit! Apply at: bit.ly/heard-pca-application

HEARD’s newsletter will be coming into your inbox soon! Subscribe for organizational updates, insights, and more. Our first newsletter of the year will be shared on our 14th HEARDiversary, February 18th! Sign up today by visiting our website www.behearddc.org + scroll down to “Stay Connected!”

Did you know that deaf/disabled incarcerated people often experience language attrition, or the loss of the ability to express themselves as fully as they were, prior to incarceration? Prisons are isolating + sustained sign language communication is rare.

The holidays can be isolating for deaf/disabled people in prison. HEARD’s Commissary Fund supports them to get the essentials they need like food, hygiene items, stamps and more. Bring connection and care this season: bit.ly/heard-holiday24