Free One-on-One Digital Literacy Instruction for Rochester’s Deaf Community

Rochester, N.Y. - Deaf Refugee Advocacy (DRA) is now offering free, one-on-one digital literacy instruction for deaf community members in the Greater Rochester area, made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Deaf Organizations Fund (DOF). Delivered entirely in American Sign Language (ASL), the instruction covers the technology skills most needed in daily life, including navigating online banking safely, spotting scams, and sharing and backing up photos. Scheduling is flexible to accommodate the participant's schedule, and sessions can be held at DRA's office, the participant's home, a library, or another location that works for them.

Many deaf refugees and immigrants arrive with limited exposure to the digital tools that are essential to daily life in the United States, from communicating with service providers to accessing employment and healthcare resources. Developed from the experiences of deaf refugees and immigrants, this initiative addresses that gap for all deaf community members in the Greater Rochester area, empowering them with skills that open doors to autonomy and connection.

Deaf Refugee Advocacy Executive Director Diana Pryntz emphasized the significance of the initiative for the community it serves. "The Greater Rochester deaf community deserves access to essential digital skills, and for the first time, they can learn them from a team that provides full language and cultural accessibility. We're proud to be the ones to offer that."

To learn more or to get started, contact DRA at inquiry@deafrefugeeadvocacy.org or (585) 286-3440.