New Castle County – Delaware Association of the Deaf (DAD)

May 19, 2026

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes

People wearing green safety jackets in a circle discussing CERT training stuff next to a trailer

Interested in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program?

Don’t miss out on some amazing training opportunities coming up soon.

For more information on the CERT program, visit: https://preparede.org/cert/

CERT Training Reminder – Don’t miss your chance to get involved! Remember, these opportunities are FREE, but you must register in advance!

Basic CERT Training (2-Day Course):

• July 25 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Gilliam Building (New Castle)

• August 1 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Delaware State Fire School (DSFS – New Castle)

Optional Advanced Training – BLS/CPR:

• September 12 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Gilliam Building (New Castle)

These sessions complete our planned 4 trainings for the year, helping us reach our goal of building a stronger, more prepared community!

What is CERT?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program equips volunteers with the skills needed to assist during emergencies and disasters. Training covers fire safety, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, and team coordination. Whether supporting first responders or helping neighbors in a crisis, CERT members play a vital role when it matters most.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BSH5YSX1L

DAD Note: Accommodations can be requested if needed. This post is for New Castle County, however, similar events are held down state if a closer location is needed.

May 8, 2026

Employment Opportunity (Bear – July/Aug. 2026)

I’m excited to share a wonderful summer opportunity for our Deaf and Hard of
Hearing elementary students (grades K–2)!

In collaboration with another parent, we have worked closely with the Bear-Glasgow YMCA to help establish five weeks of ASL-accessible summer camp programming at Camp Cassey. This effort is designed to create a more inclusive and engaging environment where our students can fully participate, connect with peers, and enjoy all that summer camp has to offer.

The YMCA is currently hiring American Sign Language (ASL) Camp Specialists to support this initiative. These staff members will play a key role in ensuring
communication access and fostering a positive, inclusive camp experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.

Camp Details:
• Location: Bear-Glasgow YMCA, 351 George Williams Way, Newark, DE
• Program: Camp Cassey
• Duration: 5 weeks: July 6 to August 7

Employment Opportunity:
The YMCA is seeking individuals fluent in ASL to serve as camp staff. This is a great opportunity for those interested in working with children, gaining experience, and making a meaningful impact in our community.

Benefits include:
• Free YMCA seasonal membership
• Fun, engaging daily activities
• A supportive and energetic team environment
• The opportunity to make a direct impact on children’s lives

If you or someone you know may be interested in applying, or if your child may
benefit from attending, I encourage you to explore this opportunity further.

For more information about camp registration or employment, please visit the YMCA website or reach out directly:
• Email: jroberts@ymcade.org
• Phone: (302) 510-1230

We are incredibly excited about this step forward in expanding accessible
opportunities for our students and hope to see many of our families take advantage of this program!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Job posting: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/YMC1010YMCAD/JobBoard/9ab3be82-7895-4efd-a55b-47d24e067f68/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=fb34ef32-3feb-4f22-80d0-33e541ea0963

May 5, 2026

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) AND What You Can Do

True Access Begins with CVTA

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA), first introduced in 2023, is being reintroduced in the current Congress. CSD is supporting the effort alongside the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) Committee, who are working hard meeting with key representatives to get the bill passed.

But to truly make a difference, your U.S. congressperson still needs your comments to show support for the bill.

Go to https://csd.org/cvta/ for more information.

DAD Note: The current CVTA bill was assigned a number on April 16, 2026 known as SB4322 that modernizes our accessibility needs and the fast changing technology needs.