Center for Hearing & Deaf Services was honored to serve as a consultant for the HBO Max series The Pitt during the development of a storyline involving a Deaf patient’s experience in the emergency room. As part of the process, members of our Deaf staff met virtually with the show’s writing team to share real-world perspectives and candid insights about communication access, healthcare experiences, and the realities many Deaf individuals face in medical settings. Many of those conversations were meaningfully reflected in the final storyline. At HDS, we believe authentic representation matters. Accurate portrayals help increase understanding, improve awareness, and elevate the lived experiences of the Deaf community in meaningful ways.  We are incredibly grateful to our staff for sharing their expertise and experiences, and we thank the writers and production team behind The Pitt for their commitment to approaching the storyline with authenticity and care.

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services has released its Spring 2026 Newsletter, highlighting recent work, community engagement, and ongoing efforts to expand access and support for individuals who are Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind across the region. This edition reflects the breadth of activity across HDS - from programs and services to partnerships and events that continue to strengthen connection and accessibility within the community.  As the organization moves through the spring season, the focus remains consistent: ensuring that individuals and families have access to the resources, communication support, and opportunities they need to navigate everyday life with confidence.

For more than 100 years, the Center for Hearing & Deaf Services has been part of the fabric of our community. Founded in 1921, HDS began as a small effort to bring people with hearing loss together. Over the decades, it has grown into Western Pennsylvania’s only comprehensive service center for individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing - providing interpretation services, community programs, youth opportunities, and resources that help people fully participate in everyday life. This spring, we invite you to celebrate that legacy and help shape what comes next. On May 5, 2026, friends and supporters will gather for an evening together at Alta Via in Market Square. It will be a night filled with great food, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to making our region more accessible and inclusive. Why This Night Matters Many people don’t realize how many everyday moments depend on accessible communication. A doctor’s appointment. A job interview. A parent-teacher conference. A conversation with a neighbor. For individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, those moments can become barriers without the right support. For over a century, HDS has worked to break down those barriers by providing interpretation services, life-skills programs, youth activities, and community resources that help people live independently and stay connected. Your Ticket Makes This Work Possible When you attend the HDS Dinner Party, you’re doing more than enjoying a great evening. Your ticket directly supports the programs that make communication and independence possible for people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing in our region. Funds raised from the evening help sustain services like: -Sign language interpreting for medical appointments, workplaces, and community events -Youth and family programming that builds confidence and connection -Community resources and advocacy that help people navigate everyday life -Support services that reduce isolation and strengthen independence For more than a century, HDS has helped people stay connected to the world around them. This dinner helps ensure those services remain available for the next generation. When you attend, you help keep these services accessible for our community. More Than a Fundraiser Yes, the Dinner Party supports an important mission but it’s also simply a great night out. Guests will enjoy: -A fantastic dining experience at Alta Via in Market Square -A welcoming evening with community leaders and supporters -Stories about the people and programs that make HDS special The chance to be part of something meaningful for our region Whether you come with colleagues, friends, or family, the evening is designed to be warm, welcoming, and inspiring. Event Details Alta Via Market Square (PPG Place, 2, #150, Pittsburgh, PA 15222) Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 6:00 PM $200 per person | $700 for a table of four Tables are a great way to introduce friends, coworkers, or neighbors to the work of HDS and spend a memorable evening together. Join Us There are many worthy causes people can support, and we never take that generosity for granted. When you attend the HDS Dinner Party, you’re helping ensure that people across our region have access to communication, community, and opportunity. And you’ll spend the evening surrounded by people who believe in that mission too. We hope you’ll join us on May 5.

We’re thrilled to share that SIGN-A-THON 2026 was another resounding success! On February 21 from 12–4 PM, the Mall at Robinson came alive with celebration, community, and connection as hundreds gathered to honor and uplift the Deaf community. This year’s event featured an inspiring afternoon of empowerment and engagement, bringing together individuals of all ages for interactive experiences, performances, and opportunities to learn more about Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL). A standout highlight was welcoming Deaf comedian Sandro Hatibović, whose hilarious and relatable content has earned him a strong following across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Sandro energized the crowd with humor and authenticity, creating moments of laughter and shared understanding throughout the event. We were also honored to have WTAE attend and help spotlight the celebration, amplifying awareness of accessibility, inclusion, and the vibrant Deaf community in our region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors - including FNB, UPMC, Univest, and many others - whose support made SIGN-A-THON 2026 possible. Their commitment to community impact and inclusivity helped make the day both meaningful and memorable. Thank you to everyone who joined us (attendees, volunteers, performers, partners, and supporters) for making SIGN-A-THON 2026 such a special experience. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year. Interested in sponsoring a future event? Please contact Lois Wholey, Director of Development, at lwholey@hdscenter.org. For the full list of this year’s sponsors, please visit here .

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS) celebrated an exciting milestone this fall with the unveiling of our new Westmoreland County office, located at 137 Mathews Street, Suite 2200 in Greensburg, PA. The move marks a new chapter for HDS Westmoreland - one that reflects our continued growth, commitment to accessibility, and dedication to providing high-quality services for individuals who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. On Monday, October 20th, community members, partners, and staff gathered for an Open House celebration to tour the new space, learn more about our programs, and connect with the incredible team that makes this work possible. “Getting the chance to open a new office fills me with hope and opportunity,” said Dominique Godlewski, Director of the Westmoreland Office and Deaf Youth & Friends Program. “Our services will only get bigger from here!” Dominique and her team continue to expand opportunities for youth and families through programs like Deaf Youth & Friends, which fosters friendship, self-advocacy, and empowerment among Deaf and Hard of Hearing young people. The new office provides an accessible, welcoming hub for these programs and a space for community connection and support. As HDS continues to grow, our mission remains the same: to provide comprehensive services that enhance communication, promote independence, and strengthen communities. We invite you to visit our new Westmoreland location and learn more about our programs.

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS) is proud to recognize Amy DeLuce, Assistant Director and Program Specialist, for her outstanding contribution as a special guest panelist at the ReelAbilities Pittsburgh premiere of Deaf on September 6 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Co-sponsored by Achieva and HDS, the event featured director Eva Libertad’s award-winning film, which explores the intersection of deafness, motherhood, and identity. Following the screening, Amy joined a distinguished panel of advocates from the Deaf community to discuss accessibility, inclusion, and representation in today’s world. With more than a decade of service at HDS, Amy has been a driving force in advancing accessibility and inclusion for individuals who are Deaf and have intellectual disabilities. A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Deaf Education, she leads programs that foster independence, build confidence, and encourage self-advocacy. We deeply appreciate Amy’s leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to creating a more inclusive community. Her work reflects the mission of HDS - to break down barriers, champion accessibility, and empower individuals to thrive.

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services, Inc. (HDS) invites you to our Westmoreland Open House - a special celebration marking the opening of our new office space in Greensburg. Join us on Sunday, October 20, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 137 Mathews Street, Suite 2200, Greensburg, PA 15601 for an afternoon of connection, learning, and community. This open house is an opportunity to explore our new space, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about the wide range of services we provide to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind. Whether you are a current client, community partner, or visiting us for the first time, there will be something for everyone. What to Expect Visitors can look forward to: Interpreting and certification information Life skills programs and job opportunities Crafts and games for clients and families Deaf youth programs and details about our upcoming toy drive Light refreshments and snacks Opportunities to support HDS through donations Building Community, Together The opening of our new Westmoreland office expands HDS’s presence and strengthens our ability to serve the local community. This event is not only a celebration of a new space but also a reflection of our continued commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home and celebrating this exciting milestone together. Event Details Date: October 20, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: 137 Mathews Street, Suite 2200, Greensburg, PA 15601

The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS) is proud to co-sponsor the Pittsburgh premiere of Deaf at this year’s ReelAbilities Film Festival on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. ReelAbilities celebrates the lives, stories, and creativity of people living with disabilities. This year, we’re honored to support an evening that brings Deaf experiences to the forefront - and we’re especially proud that our very own Amy DeLuce will join the post-screening panel discussion. About the Film Directed by Eva Libertad, Deaf has earned international recognition, winning the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Seattle International Film Festival. The film follows Angela, a Deaf woman preparing for the arrival of her first child with her hearing partner, Hector. After their daughter’s birth, Angela faces new challenges - balancing motherhood, shifting family dynamics, and her place within a world that often isn’t built for her. What sets this film apart is its authenticity. Angela is played by Miriam Garlo, Libertad’s Deaf sister, bringing a lived experience to the role that makes the story deeply personal and moving. Deaf offers an honest, layered look at the intersections of Deaf and hearing cultures, identity, and belonging. Amy DeLuce Joins the Panel Following the screening, a panel of Deaf advocates will discuss the themes and impact of the film. Among the panelists is Amy DeLuce, Assistant Director and Program Specialist at HDS. With over a decade of experience, Amy leads programs at HDS that empower individuals who are Deaf and have intellectual disabilities. Her work focuses on building self-advocacy, confidence, and independence, while helping to create opportunities for individuals to thrive in their communities. Her perspective on the panel reflects HDS’s mission to advance accessibility and inclusion for all. Recognizing Leadership The evening will also include the presentation of the 7th Annual Richard Meritzer Award, honoring the memory of Richard Meritzer, who served as ADA Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh and was a champion for accessibility. This year, the award will be presented to Nancy Murray for her outstanding contributions. Why HDS is Involved At HDS, we believe in the power of storytelling to foster understanding and create change. By sponsoring ReelAbilities Pittsburgh and supporting the premiere of Deaf, we’re helping bring visibility to Deaf culture and ensuring these important conversations remain part of the broader community dialogue. Event Details Location: Pittsburgh Playhouse Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM - Screening of Deaf Followed by: Panel Discussion and After-Party Learn more about the festival here and get your tickets at ReelAbilities Pittsburgh.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, HDS Erie joined nonprofits across the region for Erie Gives - a powerful day of community generosity and shared commitment to making a difference. Thanks to you, our supporters, friends, and partners, this year’s Erie Gives was a meaningful success. Your contributions will directly support our mission to serve individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing in Northwest Pennsylvania. From interpreting services and advocacy to ASL classes and community programs, your generosity ensures that these vital services remain accessible, inclusive, and life-changing. We are deeply grateful to every donor who gave, spread the word, or shared encouragement. We also extend our thanks to The Erie Community Foundation and its generous sponsors for providing the prorated match that amplified each donation’s impact. Your support means: Expanded accessibility so individuals have the tools and resources they need to fully participate in all aspects of life. Sustained and growing programs that foster connection, education, and empowerment. A stronger local Deaf community with more opportunities for independence, inclusion, and advocacy. Erie Gives is more than just a day - it’s a reminder of the power of community. You showed up, you gave, and you helped us take another step toward a world without communication barriers. From all of us at HDS Erie - thank you for believing in our mission and making this day unforgettable.