“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” Helen Keller. In Rochester New York, Deaf Refugee Advocacy (DRA) was founded in 2017 so “Deaf refugees, asylum-seekers, immigrants, and those from US territories” with unique needs are “served and assisted by the members of the general Deaf community.” I had the honor, and joy, to interview Diana Pryntz, Executive Director and co-founder of this remarkable organization.
“We aim to support them as they strive to be self‐sustaining neighbors while still retaining their own cultural heritage, identity, language, and religion. Furthermore, we wish to ensure their inclusion into our Deaf community and into general society.” DRA
Years ago Diana, who had been reading about the refugees coming to the Rochester area, was having a potluck dinner at her house with friends. When she inquired about support and help for Deaf refugees all anyone knew about was one Deaf man teaching classes at an organization that supports refugees. While cities nearby had some support for Deaf refugees, Rochester had none. To Diana, who has a computer science background and had worked as a programmer for two years then as a college professor at National Technical Institute of Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology(NTID) for eight years before focusing her time and energy on raising her four boys. more was needed to help support Deaf refugees. She went into action, using the ever helpful google to learn, along with her passion, gathering volunteers, finding space, and determining what Deaf refugees needed and how best to support them. In the early years before becoming an official non-profit and receiving funding, over 200 volunteers did everything that was needed. Now DRA has five full-time staff, several part-time staff, along with dedicated volunteers.
“We help both long-time and newly resettled Deaf people become independent and adjusted to life in the USA through a variety of programs and classes.” DRA
DRA has provided to date free programs and supports, as everything is provided for free, to over 80 Individuals in the Rochester New York area who are Deaf refugees from about 15 countries from all over the world. Many people they serve come to them with severe language delays including limited understanding of sign language. The majority of referrals are word of mouth and the people who come through the doors of DRA know this is a safe place to be. Educational programs at DRA include American Sign Language, English, Math, and Life Skills along with case management, promoting advocacy and full language access. Outreach services include collaboration, consultation, and education to existing community service organizations and agencies. Assistance with paperwork for financial help, application for SNAP benefits, any legal issues that might occur, and the citizenship process are available. DRA advocates have helped to educate judges and lawyers as part of their advocacy. DRA tries to educate everyone they come in contact with about the lens of intersectionality which “helps people better grasp how a combination of different factors may create and increase the vulnerability of the asylum seekers’ experience in the migratory path (country of origin, transit and country of arrival)” Brill.com. Every month DRA spotlights a different country as DRA wants to honor and celebrate the home countries of refugees. Regular field trips and social events promote empowerment, develop leadership, build community and provide social bonding moments. Joy, celebrations, and connecting with one another are a daily experience at DRA
“Deaf refugees, asylum-seekers, immigrants, and those from US territories have unique needs that are best served and assisted by the members of the general Deaf community.” DRA
Along the hallway of the DRA office is a beautiful mural that was completed in partnership with local Deaf artists. This experience taught the refugees to tell their own story, as they all have a place and a purpose in the world. Photographs on the walls were due to the support of Creative Rebuild New Year and a collaboration with a local Deaf artist. DRA office space reflects what is needed to provide effective communication and safety including proper lighting. For example if there is a need to exit the building the lights will flash. As a hearing person it gave me pause to think about how the physical environment for a Deaf person needs to be set up in a way that is effective and safe for them. Diana and everyone at DRA are creative in finding ways to open doors for Deaf refugees. They are robust advocates and work diligently so places and spaces will provide equal opportunity and inclusion. In Rochester the Deaf community and other organizations have been wonderful supporters. Since COVID DRA has been invited to participate with other community stakeholders in regards to planning and using financial resources to best serve the entire Rochester community including Deaf community and Deaf refugees.
“I am only one, but still I am one.I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” Helen Keller
Next on Diana’s and DRA goals is for Deaf refugees to have the same equality and access to services on a national level that hearing refugees have. To have inclusivity in all places and for example, always having an ASL interpreter available and ready to help. For hearing allies to empower the Deaf community, advocate for funding programs like DRA, for ASL and Deaf interpreters, and put effort into learning ASL. Barriers to equity decrease the more we can communicate and understand what someone needs. Diana is already working with some of the larger organizations to advocate for Federal funding to develop partnerships among resettlement agencies and Deaf-centric organizations around the USA. Language access matters. The more that can be done to increase inclusivity for Deaf refugees matters.
It is with honor and joy we shine the Kindness Champion Spotlight on Deaf Refugee Advocacy in Rochester New York. Where Executive Director Diana Pryntz and a dedicated staff and passionate volunteers are providing community, support, services, and celebration for every Deaf refugee who comes through their doors. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
A shout-out to Chris. He was the interpreter who provided a plethora of help to me and made the communication between Diana and myself effortless. Thank you Chris!
For more information on the INCREDIBLE DRA here is their information:
Website: https://www.deafrefugeeadvocacy.org/
Facebook: @DeafRefugeeAdvocacyinRochester https://www.facebook.com/DRAROCH/
Instagram: @deafrefugees https://www.instagram.com/deafrefugees/
X (formerly Twitter): @deafrefugees https://twitter.com/deafrefugees
