Deaf Action Center

Caffeine + chat = champ time! ☕️

It’s a new month, and we’re hosting another Deaf Coffee Chat. Valerie, one of our Access Specialists, is hosting a community discussion on being overlooked in mainstream culture, not having equal access to language, and when self-advocacy isn’t taught. Grab your coffee/tea and chat with us!

🗓️ Friday, June 19, 2026
⏰ 7:00PM - 8:00PM
📍8026 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75231
🤟 Presented in ASL and open to all
📧 For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]



—IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A flyer with a brown background.

A subtitle text: “A DAC PRESENTATION.”

A white-brown gradient bubble title text: ““DEAF COFFEE CHAT” with a coffee mug in the letter “A” in the word “chat.” There are two hands holding coffees inside the coffee mug.

A white section text: “Let’s Chat About: Systemic Barriers Impact Lens: The Unique Challenges of the Deaf and HoH Community.”

A photo of two people looking at something out of the frame. The person in the foreground has a hearing aid. Next to this photo is a section text: “A community discussion exploring:
- Being Overlooked in Mainstream Culture
- Not Having Equal Access to Language
- When Self-Advocacy Isn’t Taught”

There is a section of four lines.

In the first line and next to a calendar icon is a text “Friday, June 19, 2026”

In the second line and next to a clock icon is a text “7:00PM - 8:00PM

In the third line and next to a location pin icon is a text “8026 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75231”

In the fourth line and next to an email icon is a text “[email protected]”

There is a row showing from the left to the right: the DAC logo, four social media logos (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube), Valerie Barker’s professional headshot, and a smaller section of text: “Presented in ASL and by: VALERIE BARKER, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialist”

There is a row of line reading, “ADVOCACY. COMMUNICATION. EMPOWERMENT.”

At the very bottom is the funding line that reads, “Access - Funded by HHSC Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and The Dallas Foundation.”

Mind and brain health starts with connection. 🧠💡

Join us for Connections and Cognition, a DAC presentation presented in ASL by Dekisha Smith. Together, we’ll explore Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month through meaningful connection, memory games, communication, understanding, and empowerment for all.

🗓️ Monday, June 1 2026
⏰ 12:00PM - 1:00PM
📍3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
🤟 Presented in ASL and open to all
📧 For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]



—IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A flyer with a gray background, two doodle scribbles of people and their visible blue brains, and a hand-drawn title, “CONNECTIONS AND COGNITION.”

A subtitle text: “A DAC PRESENTATION.”

A section text: “June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. How do we advocate for brain health? With meaningful connection and memory games! Communication, understanding, and empowerment for all.”

There is a section of four lines:

In the first line and next to a calendar icon is a text “Monday, June 1, 2026”

In the second line and next to a clock icon is a text “12:00PM - 1:00PM

In the third line and next to a location pin icon is a text “3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235”

In the fourth line and next to an email icon is a text “[email protected]”

There is a row showing from the left to the right: the DAC logo, four social media logos (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube), Dekisha Smith’s professional headshot, and a smaller section of text: “Presented in ASL and by: DEKISHA SMITH, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialist”

There is a row of line reading, “ADVOCACY. COMMUNICATION. EMPOWERMENT.”

At the very bottom is the funding line that reads, “Access - Funded by HHSC Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and The Dallas Foundation.”

You have a right to communication access in health care!

Join us for “Communication Access in Health Care,” a DAC presentation in ASL by Valerie Barker, one of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialists, to learn how federal laws protect your right to fully participate in your medical care.

🗓️ Friday, June 12, 2026
⏰ 12:00PM - 1:00PM
📍3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
🤟 Presented in ASL and open to all
📧 For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]



—IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A flyer with a white background.

A subtitle text: “A DAC PRESENTATION” with a header photo showing two people having a conversation in a living room setting.

A blue title text: ““Communication Access in Health Care.”

A blue section text: “Federal laws protect your access to communication in health care. These laws say doctors, hospitals, and clinics must make sure you can understand and be understood. Any health care provider that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding must provide effective communication, so you can fully participate in your medical care.”

There is a section of four lines.

In the first line and next to a calendar icon is a text “Friday, June 12, 2026”

In the second line and next to a clock icon is a text “12:00PM - 1:00PM”

In the third line and next to a location pin icon is a text “3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235”

In the fourth line and next to an email icon is a text “[email protected]”

There is a row showing from the left to the right: the DAC logo, four social media logos (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube), Valerie Barker’s professional headshot, and a smaller section of text: “Presented in ASL and by: VALERIE BARKER, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialist”

There is a row of line reading, “ADVOCACY. COMMUNICATION. EMPOWERMENT.”

At the very bottom is the funding line that reads, “Access - Funded by HHSC Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and The Dallas Foundation.”

In observance of Memorial Day, our office is closed on Monday, May 25th.

We will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, May 26th.

—IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A vertical rectangular graphic with a cloudy sky background and light beams shining through. In the center is a white faded box with the DAC logo at the top. Below the logo, the text reads: “Our office is closed on Monday, May 25th. Our regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26th.”

Join us and “Connect in Sign!” 🎭

Step into the spotlight for Connect in Sign, a DAC community event presented in ASL by Dekisha Smith, one of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialists. Through a fun ASL-charades activity and presentation, participants will explore accessibility, communication, and self-advocacy while building confidence, connecting with others, and learning how to name their needs.

🗓️ Thursday, June 18 2026
⏰ 5:00PM - 8:00PM
📍3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
🤟 Presented in ASL and open to all
📧 For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]



—IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A flyer with a theater background showing a stage, two red curtains at each end, and rows of seats.

A subtitle text: “A DAC COMMUNITY EVENT.”

A title text: “CONNECT IN SIGN” with three graphic icons of a woman dancing, a pair of happy and sad theatric masks, and a man making a mime posture.

A section text: “Discover the power of ASL while exploring accessibility, communication, and self-advocacy through fun activity (charades in ASL) and presentation, designed to build confidence, connect with others, and speak up for your needs in any space.”

There is a section of four lines:

In the first line and next to a handshake icon is a text “Thursday, June 18, 2026”

In the second line and next to a clock icon is a text “5:00PM - 8:00PM”

In the third line and next to a location pin icon is a text “3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235”

In the fourth line and next to an email icon is a text “[email protected]”

There is a row showing from the left to the right: the DAC logo, four social media logos (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube), Dekisha Smith’s professional headshot, and a smaller section of text: “Presented in ASL and by: DEKISHA SMITH, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialist”

There is a row of line reading, “ADVOCACY. COMMUNICATION. EMPOWERMENT.”

At the very bottom is the funding line that reads, “Access - Funded by HHSC Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and The Dallas Foundation.”

What does effective communication during an emergency look like, and how can we ensure it? 🚨

In an emergency, access to clear communication can make all the difference. Join Valerie Barker, one of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialists, for an interactive presentation on emergency communication access as a civl right.

🗓️ Friday, May 22, 2026
⏰ 12:00PM - 1:00PM
📍3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
🤟 Presented in ASL and open to all
📧 For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]



—IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A flyer with a white background.

A subtitle text: “A DAC PRESENTATION” with a header photo showing an emergency sign next to an emergency vehicle in a background.

A title text: ““Effective Communication During an Emergency.”

A blue section text: “Emergency communication access is a life‑safety issue for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. When information isn’t visible, captioned, or accessible, safety is at risk. Communication access is a protected civil right, and ensuring it during emergencies is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility.”

There is a section of four lines.

In the first line and next to a handshake icon is a text “Friday, May 22, 2026”

In the second line and next to a clock icon is a text “12:00PM - 1:00PM”

In the third line and next to a location pin icon is a text “3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235”

In the fourth line and next to an email icon is a text “[email protected]”

There is a row showing from the left to the right: the DAC logo, four social media logos (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube), Valerie Barker’s professional headshot, and a smaller section of text: “Presented in ASL and by: VALERIE BARKER, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialist”

There is a row of line reading, “ADVOCACY. COMMUNICATION. EMPOWERMENT.”

At the very bottom is the funding line that reads, “Access - Funded by HHSC Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and The Dallas Foundation.”

Your lived experiences matter, and your access matters.

Join us for Communication Access Open Forum, a DAC community event presented in ASL by Valerie Barker, one of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialists. This is a safe and respectful space to connect, share experiences, learn about communication access, and build an empowered community together.

🗓️ Friday, June 12, 2026
⏰ 6:30PM - 8:30PM
📍3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235
🤟 Presented in ASL and open to all
🍽️ Bring your own meals (BYOM)!
📧 For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]



—IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A flyer with a blue background.

A subtitle text: “A DAC COMMUNITY EVENT.”

A blue-light green gradient title text: “COMMUNICATION ACCESS OPEN FORUM” next to six graphic figures smiling.

A blue section text: “Join a community where you matter:
-Being seen in a safe, respectful space
-Get clear communication, information, and support
-Build strength through advocacy, learning, working, and empowering each other together
-Create real impact (ripples) in our community
Bring your own meals!”

There is a section of four lines.

In the first line and next to a handshake icon is a text “Friday, June 12, 2026”

In the second line and next to a clock icon is a text “6:30PM - 8:30PM”

In the third line and next to a location pin icon is a text “3110 Cedarplaza Ln, Dallas, TX 75235”

In the fourth line and next to an email icon is a text “[email protected]”

There is a row showing from the left to the right: the DAC logo, four social media logos (Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube), Valerie Barker’s professional headshot, and a smaller section of text: “Presented in ASL and by: VALERIE BARKER, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Access Specialist”

There is a row of line reading, “ADVOCACY. COMMUNICATION. EMPOWERMENT.”

At the very bottom is the funding line that reads, “Access - Funded by HHSC Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and The Dallas Foundation.”