Deaf LEAD

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Deaf LEAD

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You are not alone. 💜 DeafLEAD, formerly The L.E.A.D. We serve outside of Missouri's boarders, as well.

Institute (Leadership through Education and Advocacy for the Deaf), is a non-profit corporation of the state of Missouri.

30/10/2026

Rest in peace, Franco Bippus. 💜

The Deaf community is mourning the loss of Franco Bippus, a gifted Academic Bowl champion, mentor, and bright light who left us on October 26, 2026.

Franco shone as a star at the Indiana School for the Deaf, leading his team to back-to-back national championships in 2017 and 2018, earning Most Outstanding Player honors both years, and finishing his high school career with an extraordinary record. He continued that legacy at Gallaudet University as a dedicated student assistant, GUO, question developer, and recent Academic Bowl Hall of Fame inductee. Those who worked with him remember his easy laugh, kindness, endless curiosity, and the way he made younger campers and peers feel seen and supported.

He lived with years of chronic migraines and the weight of pain that never fully lifted. Our hearts are with his family, the ISD and Gallaudet communities, and everyone who knew him.

If this loss is weighing on you, or if you are struggling, you do not have to face it alone. DeafLEAD is here with culturally affirming, ASL-accessible support 24/7 through the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline videophone and the Deaf Crisis Line. Free, confidential, and ready whenever you need to talk.

You are not alone.
Rest easy, Franco. 💜

29/10/2026

Sometimes the people around you shape your choices more than you realize.

Your environment matters. The people in your life should help you grow—not pull you away from your goals or pressure you into choices that don't align with who you are.

✨ Your comeback story is still being written.

Follow Tori's journey:
Follow on Instagram and TikTok for more stories from the Fueled by Dreams, Not Substances series.

VD: Tori, A light-skinned woman with brown hair tied back, wearing thick black-rimmed glasses, a nose ring, and a royal blue short-sleeved collared shirt, stands indoors facing the camera. A dark stage is lit by a single overhead spotlight shining down onto a black chair positioned in the center of the light. Above the chair is a large circular logo with a rainbow gradient background transitioning through purple, blue, teal, orange, and pink. White stars and a swirling constellation-like design appear near the top of the circle. The logo reads, "Fueled by DREAMS not substances series," with "DREAMS" in large teal letters outlined in white and the remaining text in bold white lettering. The next screen displays a white background with the DeafLEAD Youth Substance Use Prevention and Wellness Program logo.

27/10/2026

Healthy relationships don't ask you to give up your peace, your boundaries, or yourself. 💜

Real trust is built on respect, not pressure, control, or guilt. The people who care about you should support your choices, including your choice to stay true to yourself and say no to substances.

You deserve relationships where you feel safe, valued, and free to be exactly who you are.

Follow Tori's journey:
Follow on Instagram and TikTok for more stories from the Fueled by Dreams, Not Substances series.��VD: Tori, A light-skinned woman with brown hair tied back, wearing thick black-rimmed glasses, a nose ring, and a royal blue short-sleeved collared shirt, stands indoors facing the camera. A dark stage is lit by a single overhead spotlight shining down onto a black chair positioned in the center of the light. Above the chair is a large circular logo with a rainbow gradient background transitioning through purple, blue, teal, orange, and pink. White stars and a swirling constellation-like design appear near the top of the circle. The logo reads, "Fueled by DREAMS not substances series," with "DREAMS" in large teal letters outlined in white and the remaining text in bold white lettering. The next screen displays a white background with the DeafLEAD Youth Substance Use Prevention and Wellness Program logo. Tori’s logo: A whimsical, hand-drawn black-and-white design filled with playful, swirling line work and magical accents. Features a smiling drawing of Tori with flowing hair and thick, bold black rectangular eyeglasses positioned above an open book.

26/10/2026

Bullying Doesn't End When the Moment Ends. Sometimes, the words and actions of others stay with us longer than we realize.

But here's your reminder: How someone treats you does NOT define your worth. This National Bullying Prevention Month, let's talk about the impact bullying can have on our mental health and why kindness, connection, and support matter. 💚

Share this reel with someone who needs this reminder.

VD: 1.) A white woman with brown hair, wearing red glasses and a blue top, standing in front of a white background. 2.) Light skin female with dark hair and a blue sweatshirt.

A person with curly dark hair, wearing a black top and beige pants, stands with their head lowered and face covered by both hands. Several hands point toward them from both sides. Above them, purple and teal text reads, “Bullying HURTS. Support HELPS.” A purple banner at the bottom reads, “Share this message!” beside a lime-green cursor graphic. Lavender wavy patterns frame the top and bottom. The next screen displays a white background with the DeafLEAD Youth Substance Use Prevention and Wellness Program logo.

24/10/2026

WE’RE HIRING! 💜

Join our team and help serve the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community and ASL users!

👉 Videophone Crisis Counselor (Deaf Crisis Line)
Part-time | 8–28 hrs/week
Provide emotional support and crisis intervention to victims of crime via videophone.
Ideal for experienced, compassionate counselors fluent in ASL.

🚨 Applications for the Videophone Crisis Counselor closes on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 9 AM CST. Training for this position begins on December 1, 2026. 🚨

👉 American Sign Language Interpreter
Full-time | Salaried (exempt)
We are seeking an experienced, compassionate full-time ASL Interpreter.

What we offer both roles:
✅ Exciting, supportive & engaging team environment
✅ Crisis intervention training & professional growth
✅ Serving the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community

Remote candidates welcome in these states:
AL, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NV, NJ, NM, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI

Apply now:
deaflead.org/get-involved/job-postings/

Tag someone who might be a great fit! 🙌

21/10/2026

Entries for our 7th Annual Book Giveaway close tomorrow (October 22) at the end of the day.

📚 Like this post
👥 Follow &
💬 Comment your favorite book genre

🎉 Winners will be announced LIVE on October 23 at 11AM CST! Good luck! 💜

ID: Graphic 1: Graphic promoting the 7th Annual Book Giveaway featuring an open book held in a hand, surrounded by large stylized "Giveaway" text on a white background. The DeafLEAD logo appears at the bottom. Graphic 2: Graphic featuring all seven giveaway books with instructions to like the post, follow and , and comment with your favorite book genre to enter the giveaway.

20/10/2026

Trauma bonding can make it hard to recognize when a relationship is causing harm. The good moments don't erase the abuse. You deserve consistent care, respect, and safety.

VD: A video begins with a cisgender Caucasian man with short brown hair, wearing black half-rimmed glasses and a red T-shirt, seated on a brown leather couch beside a woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing a navy-blue shirt with a white-trimmed neckline. A light-colored blanket covers their laps. Behind them is a dark gray wall with abstract artwork.

The camera alternates between close-up shots of the man and woman and wider shots of them seated together on the couch.
The video transitions to a faded image of the man and woman seated together on the couch. Bold purple text reads, “If this sounds familiar, support is available. You are not alone.”

The video transitions to a teal background with a centered light gray rounded rectangle. At the top, a purple banner reads, “For those experiencing violence or abuse.” Below is a black icon representing videophone support. Under the icon, black text reads, “321-800-DEAF (3323).”

The video transitions to a light background displaying the Deaf Crisis Line logo with the text “Deaf Crisis Line” and the phone number “321-800-DEAF (3323).”
The video ends with a light gray background displaying the DeafLEAD logo centered on the screen. The word “Deaf” appears in purple text, and “LEAD” appears in teal with illustrated ASL handshapes forming each letter. Below the logo, purple text reads, “You Are Not Alone.”

19/10/2026

988 Videophone provides direct access to crisis support in ASL for Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and late-deafened individuals and their families. 💜

No interpreter in the middle. Direct communication with a trained crisis counselor.

988 Videophone is still growing, and your experience can help make it stronger. If you’ve used 988 Videophone, we welcome your feedback — what worked, what didn’t, and what could be better.

Your experience matters. Your feedback matters. Your voice matters.

If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to 988 Videophone.

VD: A video begins with a white individual wearing a teal short-sleeve top with a chest cutout, silver hoop earrings, and rings, standing against a light-colored wall.

It transitions to a purple background featuring a centered light gray rounded rectangle. At the top, a teal banner reads, “For Those Facing Suicidal Crisis or Emotional Distress:” Below are three black icons representing videophone, text messaging on a mobile phone, and online chat on a computer. Under the icons, black text reads, “988 via Videophone, Text, or Chat.”

The video ends with a light gray background displaying the DeafLEAD logo centered on the screen. The word “Deaf” appears in purple text, and “LEAD” appears in teal with illustrated ASL handshapes forming each letter. Below the logo, purple text reads, “You Are Not Alone.”

16/10/2026

October is a Health Literacy Month!

Everyone deserves health information that is clear, understandable, and accessible. Breaking communication barriers helps us make informed decisions about our health and care.

Your health. Your voice. Your choices. Your right to understand.

VD: A video begins with a light-skinned Hispanic woman wearing a medium-blue shirt decorated with heart-shaped gems, signing while seated against a light gray wall with a black TV in the background.

The video transitions to a light-skinned woman with hazel eyes and brown hair in a bun, wearing a black top and dangling ghost earrings. She is seated in a sage green office chair against a dark gray background.

The video transitions to a white man with a buzz cut and stubble, wearing a navy blue Henley shirt. He is seated in a black office chair against a white background.

The video transitions to a white individual wearing a black V-neck DeafLEAD shirt, seated in a black office chair at a wooden desk against a dark blue wall.

The video transitions to a dark-skinned individual wearing a blue shirt and an African-style headwrap, standing in front of a brown building.

The video transitions to an individual with long white hair, round brown-framed glasses, a dark rose-colored ribbed short-sleeve shirt, and a small pendant necklace, seated against a plain black background.

The video transitions to a Black woman with curly black hair, wearing a gray T-shirt featuring Bluey, a children's cartoon character.

The video transitions to a white individual wearing a teal blouse and matching dangling earrings, standing in front of a plain beige wall.

The video transitions to a purple background with a centered light gray rounded rectangle. A teal banner at the top reads, “For Those Facing Suicidal Crisis or Emotional Distress:”. Below are three black icons representing a videophone, text messaging on a mobile phone, and online chat on a computer. Black text underneath reads, “988 via Videophone, Text, or Chat.”

The video ends with a light gray background displaying the DeafLEAD logo centered on the screen. “Deaf” appears in purple, while “LEAD” appears in teal with illustrated ASL handshapes forming each letter. Below the logo, purple text reads, “You Are Not Alone.”

15/10/2026

Which book are you hoping to win? 📖✨
Here's a look at all 7 books featured in this year's giveaway!

Enter by:
❤️ Liking this post
👥 Following and
💬 Commenting your favorite book genre

ID: Opening: Graphic promoting the 7th Annual Book Giveaway with seven featured Deaf-authored books displayed around the title on a purple spiral background. Book 1: Book cover for From Darkness to Light by Jeanne Marrero displayed on a purple starburst background with a brief book description below. Book 2: A Deaf Memoir of Voice by Rachel Kolb displayed on a purple starburst background with a brief book description below. Book 3: Book cover for Sign of Her Own by Sarah Marsh displayed on a purple starburst background with a brief book description below.

Book 4: Book cover for Haben by Haben Girma displayed on a purple starburst background with a brief book description below. Book 5: Book cover for Mother Tongue by Sara Nović displayed on a purple starburst background with a brief book description below. Book 6: Book cover for The Butterfly Cage by Rachel Zemach displayed on a purple starburst background with a brief book description below. Book 7: Book cover for Once A Fractured Soul by Jasmine Garcia-Freeland displayed on a purple starburst background with a brief book description below.
Giveaway rules: Graphic featuring the seven giveaway books on a teal spiral background with instructions to like the post, follow and , and comment with your favorite book genre to enter, on a gray background.

Address

Telephone

+15734455005

Website

http://www.DeafLEAD.org/

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