Deaf Refugee Advocacy in Rochester

10/13/2026

Members of the our DRA community are part of Sanctuary: Borders & Belonging in 2026 at Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo)!

Their artwork is in the (I’M)MIGRATION section, where community artists share their experiences with immigration. We are proud of them and of all the artists in the exhibition.
Come visit and show your support!

📅 Now through November 14
📍 137 East Avenue, Rochester
🕐 Wednesday to Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. (Fridays until 9 p.m.)
💵 Suggested admission: $2

https://www.rochestercontemporary.org/exhibitions/sanctuary-borders-belonging-in-2026/

VIDEO DESCRIPTION: The video opens at the entrance to the (I’M)MIGRATION section of the exhibition. A red sign on the wall reads “(I’M)MIGRATION: community artists share their experience,” with an arrow pointing into the gallery. Below the sign hang a photograph of an American flag outline against a sunset sky and a panel of wall text. Framed paintings and drawings cover the wall to the right. The camera pans into the gallery until a woman appears and signs in ASL. When she mentions the DRA community, she gestures to the artworks on the wall to her left. The video has English captions.

09/23/2026

Guest Author May 28, 2026 Guest Blog Author: Andrea Oppedisano, Deaf advocate and Casework Coordinator at a Deaf Refugee Advocacy, Inc. The Foundation: Language Deprivation and Human Development Language and education fundamentally shape how we experience and perceive the world from birth through ev...

09/23/2026

09/23/2026

Did you know today is International Day of Sign Languages? Earlier this year, Deaf Refugee Advocacy in Rochester contributed an article to our latest edition of The Resource that explores how language deprivation increases sexual violence vulnerability among Deaf refugees.

"The vulnerability of Deaf refugees to sexual violence is not inherent to deafness—it results from systemic failures combined with cultural beliefs that underestimate their capabilities. The barriers include both failure to provide accessible language and education as well as recognition of Deaf individuals as full and capable human beings.

"When we fail to provide these accommodations and allow harmful cultural beliefs to go unchallenged, we fail Deaf refugees in preventing violence, supporting survivors, and achieving justice."-Andrea Oppedisano is a Deaf advocate and Casework Coordinator at a Deaf Refugee Advocacy, Inc.

Guest Author May 28, 2026 Guest Blog Author: Andrea Oppedisano, Deaf advocate and Casework Coordinator at a Deaf Refugee Advocacy, Inc. The Foundation: Language Deprivation and Human Development Language and education fundamentally shape how we experience and perceive the world from birth through ev...

09/03/2026

Many thanks to Deaf Elders Around Rochester (D.E.A.R.) and Deaf Senior Services Coalition for having us! It was wonderful joining you and sharing more about our Digital Literacy instruction. We teach the technology skills that matter most in daily life, like setting up WiFi and staying safe online. All instruction is one-on-one and in ASL. Learn more here:

https://deafrefugeeadvocacy.org/services/education/digital-literacy

Description of photos:
DRA team presenting Digital Literacy topics with presentation slides to a full room, including attendees asking questions during Q&A.

08/24/2026

Passionate about education?

DRA is looking for a Part-time Instructor to work with deaf adults across our community. This includes people who moved to the USA from other countries as well as those born and raised here.

Topics we teach include Digital Literacy, Job Readiness, ASL, English and more. Lessons are offered one-on-one and in group settings.
Want to learn more?

All the details, including how to apply, are on our website.

DeafRefugeeAdvocacy.org/careers

07/21/2026

Want to feel confident staying safe and protecting your information online?

Our Digital Literacy initiative covers "Online Safety & Security", including recognizing scams, online banking safety, spotting phishing, creating strong passwords, setting up two-factor authentication, and more. We can teach you how to recognize threats and keep your information safe.

Want to sign up or learn more? Give us a call at 585-286-3440, email us at [email protected], or visit our Digital Literacy page.

https://www.deafrefugeeadvocacy.org/services/education/digital-literacy

[Video Description]

A SPOKESPERSON stands in a classroom with a whiteboard behind her. The words "Everything is easier when you" are written on it. A title card at the top of the video reads "DIGITAL LITERACY: ONLINE SAFETY & SECURITY."

SPOKESPERSON (signing): "Do you want to learn more about Online Safety & Security? For example..."

The scene cuts to a MAN sitting at a table, browsing on his laptop.

The camera moves to show the back of the man as he looks at his screen. A popup alert appears on the laptop screen.

The camera cuts to a close-up of the screen showing the alert. It reads:

"MICROSOFT SECURITY ALERT

Your computer has been blocked

Your computer has been infected with a virus and spyware. The following data may have been stolen:

Banking information and credit card details

Email account login and passwords

Facebook and social media logins

Personal photos and files

Do not close this window or restart your computer.

Call Microsoft Support immediately: 1-800-642-7676"

The camera cuts back to the man from behind, startled, hands raised.

The camera cuts to the front of the man, visibly panicked.

MAN (signing): "Virus?! What am I going to do?!"

The scene cuts to Spokesperson, seated at her office desk. Contact information appears on screen above her: (585) 286-3440 and [email protected].

SPOKESPERSON (signing): "Do you want to learn how to protect your laptop from viruses, protect your private information on apps such as health or bank apps, recognize scams, and set up a password on your laptop, phone, or other devices? Do you want to learn how to stay safe online and protect everything you value? Go ahead and contact us!"

07/01/2026

06/30/2026

Want to feel confident finding the right information online and navigating websites and apps with ease?

Our Digital Literacy initiative covers "Internet Navigation", including how to search the web effectively, managing browser tabs and windows, using public transportation apps, finding reliable news and information online. We can teach you what works best for you.

Want to sign up or learn more? Give us a call at 585-286-3440, email us at [email protected], or visit our Digital Literacy page.

https://www.deafrefugeeadvocacy.org/services/education/digital-literacy

[Video Description]

A SPOKESPERSON stands in a classroom with a whiteboard behind her. The words "Everything is easier when" are written on it. A title card at the top of the video reads "DIGITAL LITERACY: INTERNET NAVIGATION."

SPOKESPERSON (signing): "Want to learn about Internet Navigation? For example..."

The scene cuts to a WOMAN standing at a bus stop, looking at her phone.

WOMAN (signing): "Which number?"

She looks up at the bus stop sign, which reads "6 North Goodman" and "8 East Main."

WOMAN (signing): "I'm still confused!"

She turns toward something off-screen and waves.

WOMAN (signing): "Maybe that bus... Hey! Excuse me!"

She runs out of frame.

The scene cuts to Woman walking into a different bus stop. She looks around, then checks her phone.

WOMAN (signing): "Wrong place..."

She puts a hand on her hip, looking frustrated.

The scene cuts to Spokesperson, seated at her office desk. Contact information appears on screen above her: (585) 286-3440 and [email protected].

SPOKESPERSON (signing): "It's scary to get lost! It shouldn't have to happen! We can teach you how to navigate the internet and phone apps, so you can find the right bus, find reliable websites, and stay safe online. Do you want us to teach you how? Contact us!"

06/18/2026

Do you have a phone, tablet, or other device and don’t know how to set it up or use it?

Our Digital Literacy initiative covers “Devices & Basic Operations”, including computer and smartphone basics, connecting to Wi-Fi, installing apps, wearables, and more. We can teach you what works best for you.

Want to sign up or learn more? Give us a call at 585-286-3440, email us at [email protected], or visit our Digital Literacy page.

https://www.deafrefugeeadvocacy.org/services/education/digital-literacy

[Video Description]

A SPOKESPERSON stands in a classroom with a whiteboard behind her. The words “Everything is easier” are written on it. A title card at the top of the video reads “DIGITAL LITERACY: DEVICES & BASIC OPERATIONS.”

SPOKESPERSON (signing): “Want to learn more about devices, their basic operations and uses? For example…”

The scene cuts to a living room. A WOMAN sits on a couch with a purse beside her.

WOMAN (signing): “I’m so excited! I just got a new smartwatch!”

She reaches into her purse and pulls out the smartwatch, then signs:

WOMAN (signing): “Uh oh… How do I set it up? I need help…”

The camera cuts to Friend.

FRIEND (signing): “Hey! You know that DRA will teach you how?”

The camera cuts back to Woman.

WOMAN (signing): “Now I can set up health information, get e-mail notifications, appointment reminders, and set up tap payments. So excited!”

The scene cuts to Spokesperson, now seated at her office desk.

SPOKESPERSON (signing): “You feel the same? You got devices, such as a smartwatch, tablet, phone, or laptop, and don’t understand how it operates or struggle with using it? Don’t worry, we can teach you how! You will understand clearly. Go ahead and contact us!”