Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thanks to your generosity and belief in our mission, the past six months have been a period of exciting growth, deepened connections, and important advocacy wins for the Global Deaf Research Institute (GDRI). Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Global Disability Summit – Berlin, April 2025

In April, GDRI joined disability rights leaders, policymakers, and advocates at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin. This gathering was a chance to connect with government disability offices, influential NGOs, and grassroots organizers from across the globe. These conversations are more than networking—they open doors to partnerships that will help ensure deaf voices are present in decision-making spaces. The relationships forged here are already influencing our next steps in both policy engagement and program expansion.

 

Community Connections Across Germany

Following the Summit, Dr. Lorne Farovitch embarked on a journey across Germany, meeting with deaf communities in multiple cities. These sessions helped us understand local priorities, identify potential collaborators, and begin designing a project tailored to the needs of Germany’s deaf community. It was a powerful reminder that our work is most impactful when it begins with the voices of those directly affected.

A New Name for Our Flagship Work

We’ve officially renamed our flagship initiative from Deaf Community Research to Deaf Voices Counted. This shift better reflects our core mission—centering and amplifying deaf voices worldwide. The new name is more accessible to a wider audience, more illustrative of the work we do, and adaptable for different regions. The next phase will be Deaf Voices Counted: Dominican Republic, which will carry forward our commitment to deaf-led, community-driven research and advocacy.

United Nations COSP for the CRPD – June 2025

In June, GDRI participated in the United Nations Conference of State Parties (COSP) for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This was another invaluable opportunity to strengthen global partnerships and push for meaningful change. We also spoke out—loudly—when sessions failed to provide adequate access for deaf attendees, underscoring the ongoing gaps in inclusivity even in spaces dedicated to disability rights.

Fundraising Wins – Fire Island, Summer 2025

We closed the summer with two successful fundraising events in Fire Island, raising over $17,000 for GDRI’s programs. Beyond the incredible financial support, these gatherings built a stronger community of allies committed to advancing deaf rights globally. Every dollar raised goes directly toward expanding projects like Deaf Voices Counted into new regions.

Looking Ahead

As we look toward the next six months, we’re building on the momentum from Berlin, New York, and Fire Island. With your support, we’re set to launch Deaf Voices Counted: Dominican Republic, deepen our work in Europe, and continue advocating for accessibility at every level—from community meetings to the halls of the United Nations.

Your contributions make this possible. Thank you for standing with us, amplifying deaf voices, and believing in a future where accessibility and inclusion are not optional, but the norm.

With gratitude,
The GDRI Team

 

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