Maryland Deaf Access Committee

Good morning and Happy Holiday!  Greetings from Area 29 Accessibilities; we have exciting news to share!

Area 29 Accessibilities has created the Maryland Deaf Access Committee, which is based on the Portland Deaf Access Committee, the New York City Deaf Access, and Southern Wisconsin Deaf Access. The purpose is to establish a foundation of coordinating ASL interpreters and funding for in-person AA meetings for Deaf AA members.

We have 4 Deaf AA members on the committee from Area 29, most of whom have never been to an in-person AA meeting where they live. The obstacles Deaf AA members encounter when they need an AA meeting, before and after virtual, are barriers that no one with a desire to stop drinking normally encounters. 

We are asking the Maryland Intergroups to publish our MDAC flyer in your bulletin and provide us time on your agenda to come talk about Deaf Accessibility.  We are asking the home groups, districts, and fellowship for the same; for your time and to consider including MDAC in your 7th Tradition contributions where money and spirituality mix. Even a recurring $5 contribution will help. Professional ASL interpretation can average $100-$125 per hour. We have a network of interpreters who are willing to offer their services at a discounted rate in the range of $60 to $75 per hour. The expenses are higher than usual for this group of AA members

The first group in Baltimore who has agreed to accommodate the ASL interpreted in person meeting will be Tuesday night Agape at 7 PM. at Sheppard Pratt in Towson. This group is also hybrid and has graciously agreed to point a computer on our interpreter so that the meeting can be interpreted on a hybrid basis too. Our purpose is for in-person AA meetings but hybrid will serve everyone on our committee, so we're very excited.

As soon as we can gather enough 7th Tradition funds for one meeting at a time and a website, we can get started. We have a volunteer ready to create the MDAC website. It will resemble these websites, and we will operate similarly with complete transparency.

Portland Deaf Access Committee

https://pdacaa.org/

Southern Wisconsin Deaf Access Committee

https://southernwidac.org/

NYC Deaf Access Committee of AA

https://nycdacaa.org/

Of course, there are more Deaf AA members in Maryland who we haven't met yet. “Why would they come to a desert looking for water.” Without this foundation in place, they cannot access AA in person, a privilege only for hearing AA members.  Please encourage your group to consider a regular percentage contribution such that you would for your service structure contributions.

And we hope to see you at the Maryland State Convention on August 4-6 in Hunt Valley MD where we will have more information, ASL interpreted meetings, workshops, food, speakers, and entertainment. Please visit https://www.marylandaa.org/state-convention-3/shop for Convention Registration, now less than 30 days from today!

Kathi K. & Jessica W.

Area 29 Accessibility Chairs

410-949-6456

AA Responsibility Statement,

I Am Responsible

I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere,

reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA

always to be there.

And for that I am responsible.